IDF forces capture the Beaufort Ridge in southern Lebanon

IDF troops captured the Beaufort Ridge in southern Lebanon on Sunday morning, the IDF announced.

The IDF spokesperson also noted that the operation, which includes the Saluki River basin, aims to destroy infrastructure, eliminate terrorists, and remove the threat to the Galilee Panhandle and the northern town of Metula.

"The activity began a few days ago, during which extensive ground forces, including the Golani Brigade, the 7th Brigade, the Givati Brigade, the Fire Brigade, and the Multidimensional Unit, operating under the command of the 36th Division and guided by IDF Military Intelligence, began offensive operations to expand the forward defensive line," the IDF said.

The IDF further stated, "The operation is focused on establishing operational control of the Beaufort Ridge and the Wadi al-Saluki area, as well as degrading the Hezbollah terrorist organization and dismantling terrorist infrastructure that was established on the ridge under Iranian direction. From Beaufort Ridge, Hezbollah terrorists managed military and combat activities and carried out numerous attacks. In addition, IDF soldiers are operating against launch infrastructure in the area, from which hundreds of projectiles were launched toward Israeli civilians and IDF soldiers."

An IDF official noted that during the capture of Beaufort, there were several clashes. The operation was accompanied by air and ground support, as well as a high degree of tactical deception. Routes were breached across the Litani River, and forces climbed the ridge from the west rather than from the east, as had been done in the past.

On Saturday, a Kan News report revealed that the ground maneuver in southern Lebanon is intensifying. The special operation, which had been in planning for more than a year, also included activities north of the Litani River.

As part of the operation, the IDF captured territory, established at least five bridges over the Litani, and breached routes using combat engineering forces through the dense Lebanese brush and complex rocky areas. These routes enabled the crossing of large forces to the other side of the river.

The goal of the operation is to remove a direct threat of anti-tank missile fire toward the communities of the Galilee Panhandle, and particularly toward Metula, since the area into which IDF forces are moving overlooks the town in both line of sight and firepower.

The IDF originally planned to conduct the operation two months earlier with the 98th Division. However, after troops encountered Hezbollah ambushes, Northern Command commander Maj.-Gen. Ori Gordin canceled the mission and transferred responsibility to the 36th Division, which replanned the operation.

During the early stages of the current ground operation, Israeli troops engaged in several clashes with Hezbollah terrorists, resulting in the deaths of two IDF soldiers and injuries to others.

However, in recent days, according to reports in Lebanon, IDF forces have reached the ridgeline in the areas of Yohmor, the Beaufort Fortress, and the Zoutar region. This is also why the IDF ordered Lebanese residents this week to evacuate the city of Nabatieh and nearby villages.

According to the IDF, the area north of the Litani contains significant Hezbollah centers of gravity, used by the Badr Unit, from which rockets and explosive drones are launched.