Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said control of the strategic Ali al-Taher ridge would allow Israel to tighten its security grip on southern Lebanon, signaling that Israeli forces intend to maintain a presence in the area until Hezbollah is disarmed.

Katz said Israeli forces advanced toward the ridge after intelligence had indicated the presence of underground Hezbollah command tunnels in the area, describing control of Ali al-Taher as an important component of Israel’s security posture in southern Lebanon.

Katz said Israel would not withdraw from what it describes as a security zone inside Lebanon until Hezbollah is disarmed.