Israel Defense Forces reservists discovered dozens of weapons concealed within civilian structures in the village of Majdal Zoun in southwestern Lebanon, approximately four miles from the border, during operations targeting Hezbollah threats in an Israeli-controlled security zone.
The cache contained Kalashnikov rifles, magazines, ammunition, grenades, explosives, anti-tank missiles and mortar shells. The IDF also demolished structures in the area used by Hezbollah.
"The IDF will continue to operate to remove any threat to its troops and will not allow the Hezbollah terrorist organization to harm Israeli civilians," The military stated.
IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir visited troops in Lebanon on Wednesday, telling them the military would maintain the security zone until "long-term security is ensured." "We have established a security zone and are clearing it of terrorist infrastructure - these are areas from which the Hezbollah terrorist organization prepared, threatened and operated against the communities in northern Israel," Zamir said. "If required, we will deepen our operations and reach additional areas."
The comments came hours after Hezbollah launched an explosive drone at an Israeli engineering vehicle near the Ali al-Taher Ridge within the Israeli-controlled security zone. The IDF described the incident as a "blatant violation" Of the ceasefire agreement with Beirut. No soldiers were injured.
The military presented Israel's political leadership with proposed responses to the drone attack and awaited a decision. While Jerusalem views the attack as a violation of the truce, officials expect a limited response that will not involve renewed strikes on Beirut.