SOUTHERN LEBANON — IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen Eyal Zamir visited Israeli soldiers and toured combat zones at the Beaufort Ridge in southern Lebanon on July 5, 2026. During the visit, Zamir declared military achievements against Hezbollah and affirmed Israel's readiness to resume offensive operations if the ceasefire is violated.

Zamir conducted an operational situational assessment, which included entering an Israeli-controlled Hezbollah tunnel. He toured the Beaufort Ridge region alongside several military commanders. "Now, our troops have operational control of this key terrain both above ground and of these underground tunnel networks," Zamir said.

"The Hezbollah terrorist organization, funded and directed by Iran, spent decades constructing underground tunnels throughout the area to threaten northern Israeli communities," Zamir said. He added that the military achievements secured by the soldiers had weakened the group. "The military achievements you secured weakened Hezbollah. It is now relying on its Iranian patron to save it," Zamir said.

The Chief of Staff referenced commitments made by Lebanon under a ceasefire framework arranged via the United States. These commitments include an obligation to clear the area of Hezbollah terrorists and their infrastructure. Zamir noted that the deal between Israel and Lebanon outlines a structured process for Hezbollah's disarmament and creates the conditions for an IDF withdrawal from southern Lebanon.

Zamir thanked the IDF 36th Division for its actions against Hezbollah and its crossing of the Litani River. "The agreement with Lebanon would not have been possible without the courage of our soldiers and the operations led by Northern Command," he said. He concluded by stating: "The IDF will continue to operate decisively to remove threats from Lebanese territory and is prepared to transition rapidly to offensive operations should the ceasefire be violated."