New revelations have emerged from Israeli army radio reporter Doron Kadosh regarding an extended military operation in southern Lebanon. According to Kadosh, Israeli commando units systematically gained control over strategic heights after reaching the Al-Shaqif Castle area and crossing the Litani River.
The operation, reportedly lasting about three months, aimed to dominate the high ground both above and below. Israeli commandos set up secret ambushes to ensnare Hezbollah members entrenched in tunnels and target anyone attempting to exit.
Kadosh detailed that the Israeli army kept the operation under wraps to prevent a retaliatory response from Hezbollah and Iran, only announcing the capture of the area in recent days.
According to Israeli claims, they intercepted supply shipments destined for Hezbollah fighters underground. These supplies included communication equipment, food, water, chocolate, and cigarettes, delivered via drones.
The past months saw diplomatic discussions regarding the region, where Israel reportedly offered about 50 Hezbollah members in the tunnels a chance to surrender and emerge with white flags. They allegedly declined and continued their resistance.
Israeli military reports assert that most Hezbollah fighters perished in the tunnels or while trying to flee. A few escaped, taking advantage of the dense fog that blanketed the area recently.
Following the completion of the tunnel seizure, Israeli forces prepared to demolish them. Kadosh stated that the elite “Yahalom” unit carried around 1,100 tons of explosives in containers to the tunnels, amid threats from Hezbollah’s armed drones.
Throughout the operation, the Israeli Chief of Staff conducted continual nightly assessments to oversee the commandos' activities and prevent any counteraction from Hezbollah and Iran, while securing governmental support for the ongoing mission.
No retaliatory attempts have been detected yet, but the army remains prepared for all scenarios.
A senior Israeli officer described the operation as "one of the most complex undertaken by the Israeli military in recent years," claiming that while Hezbollah resisted to the end, their fighters remained entrenched and refused to withdraw.
He added that the Ali Taha heights resembled a "massive military site" filled with explosives and observation posts. The forces began dismantling the area under various threats.
"Not all tunnel entrances were known, and some militants escaped. Yet, the mountain is now reduced to a pile of sand. Over 20 years of Hezbollah's and Iran’s efforts have crumbled. Hezbollah failed and abandoned its men as the Israeli military succeeded," the officer asserted.