Lead
Israeli Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir told soldiers on Sunday that the Beaufort Ridge area in southern Lebanon is "saturated with terrorist infrastructure," underscoring the military's achievements in the region. His remarks came as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced the takeover of a massive Hezbollah tunnel in Majdal Zoun, and as tensions continued along the border despite a US-brokered ceasefire.
Coverage comparison
The Jerusalem Post reported Zamir's comments in two separate articles. In one, he described Hezbollah as "exhausted" and noted the significance of Israel having taken the Beaufort area from Hezbollah's control. In another, he was quoted as saying the ceasefire is "shaky" and that the IDF must be prepared to renew military actions at any moment.
The TASS English-language report focused on a specific incident in which Israeli troops opened fire on four Hezbollah members in the buffer zone, as well as broader statements from Iranian and Israeli officials regarding the ceasefire.
Key claims
During his visit to the Beaufort Ridge, Zamir told soldiers, "The military achievements you secured weakened Hezbollah. It is now relying on its Iranian patron to save it." He also entered an Israeli-controlled Hezbollah tunnel as part of an operational situational assessment.
According to the Jerusalem Post, the IDF announced that soldiers from the 91st Division's 551st Brigade had taken over a massive Hezbollah tunnel in Majdal Zoun, approximately 10 kilometers into southern Lebanon. The tunnel, which was 200 meters long and 25 meters deep, had four firing shafts used to launch rockets at Israeli targets. The IDF killed 20 Hezbollah terrorists during the operation, including 10 members of the group's Radwan Forces, and seized or destroyed approximately 50 items of terror infrastructure and munitions, including drones, anti-tank missiles, and lookout positions.
Zamir emphasized that the agreement with Lebanon would not have been possible without "the courage of our soldiers and the operations led by Northern Command," specifically thanking the IDF 36th Division for its crossing of the Litani River and actions against Hezbollah. He also noted Lebanese commitments under the ceasefire framework to "clear the area of Hezbollah terrorists and terrorist infrastructure."
Separately, the TASS report detailed an incident in the Ali al-Taher Ridge area within the Security Zone, where IDF soldiers identified four Hezbollah members riding a bulldozer and a motorcycle. The IDF statement said that after warning fire, additional fire was conducted "in order to remove the threat," with hits identified.
Perspectives
Israeli military
The IDF asserts operational control over key terrain in southern Lebanon and emphasizes its ability to act against Hezbollah threats, while stressing readiness to resume offensive operations if the ceasefire is violated.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun
According to the Jerusalem Post, President Aoun defended the ceasefire framework, which outlines a structured process for Hezbollah's disarmament.
Iranian representatives
According to TASS, Iranian representatives in talks with the US demanded a complete ceasefire in Lebanon and the withdrawal of Israeli forces, warning of consequences such as closing the Strait of Hormuz if demands were not met.