JERUSALEM (VINnews)-IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir toured the Beaufort Ridge in southern Lebanon on Sunday and said Israeli forces now control Hezbollah’s underground tunnel network in the strategic area.

Zamir inspected a major Hezbollah tunnel system built beneath the ridge during the visit. He described the Beaufort Ridge as a strategic area “saturated with terror infrastructure.”

“The Hezbollah terror organization, financed and directed by Iran, built underground routes in the area over the course of decades to threaten the northern communities,” Zamir said, according to remarks provided by the IDF. “Our forces now control the key terrain above ground and these underground routes below ground.”

Zamir said the Lebanese army “is required to fulfill its commitment under the historic agreement that was signed, and act to clear the area of Hezbollah terrorists” in parts of southern Lebanon outside Israeli control.

At the same time, he warned that the military remains prepared to respond forcefully to any violations.

“The IDF will continue to operate decisively to remove threats in Lebanese territory and is prepared to launch a rapid offensive if the ceasefire is violated,” Zamir said.

The visit comes as Israeli forces maintain operational control of key positions in southern Lebanon following the ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah.