IDF Spokesperson, Brigadier General Efi Dofin on the Northern Border:
Good afternoon. Yesterday, not far from here, IDF forces led by the 36th Division in the Northern Command completed a wide-ranging operation. During it, we achieved operational control of the Beaufort Ridge and the Saluki Stream area in southern Lebanon. The 36th Division forces now control the Beaufort Ridge.
This is a significant operation that was planned for a long time and approved by the Chief of Staff, following a thorough combat procedure and meticulous operational preparations. Control of the Beaufort Ridge has important operational implications. It is a central geographical asset of Hezbollah, which constitutes a nerve center for the organization. From it, it controls fire and observation over the communities of the Finger of the Galilee and Metula. Since the beginning of Operation Arrow of Iron alone, more than 400 launches have been fired from this area.
The infrastructure that Hezbollah has built is Iranian infrastructure, which constitutes a significant command and control center above and below ground. We are pushing back Hezbollah’s capabilities and continuing to deepen the damage to it. Alongside the operational achievements, the fighting is exacting a heavy price from us. In the battles yesterday and today, Sergeant First Class Adam Tzarfati and Sergeant First Class Michael Tyukin fell, may their memory be blessed. Michael, 21 years old from Ashkelon, a fighter in the Givati Reconnaissance Unit, and Adam, 20 years old from Rosh Ha’ayin, a fighter in the Maglan Unit. They fell in the battles for the ridge while defending the northern communities. I share in the families’ sorrow, we embrace them, and we will continue to accompany them.
I was just now at Ziv Hospital in Safed. I visited our wounded fighters from last night and their families. I met brave, determined fighters full of fighting spirit, and alongside them, amazing medical teams. Our goal is clear: to defend the northern communities, to distance the threat, to strike Hezbollah deeply, and to weaken it over time. We are extensively engaged in finding solutions to the drone threat. The Chief of Staff is personally dealing with this, and all IDF bodies are working to develop operational means to deal with this threat.
There is progress, and we continue to operate to bring about further solutions. I want to reiterate to the residents of the North: the IDF is with you, we are with you, and we are acting for you both on the front lines and in the home front. Everything we are doing is intended to strengthen your security and bring about a better security situation. I ask you to continue to be vigilant, to act responsibly, and to obey the instructions of the Home Front Command. The IDF is attacking and will continue to attack throughout Lebanon, from Dahieh to Tyre. Wherever there is a threat to Israeli civilians and IDF forces, we will act to remove it.”