Ground presence in Wadi al-Taym is necessary

The demolition of the tunnel network in the Ali al-Taym ridge, involving 1,100 tons of explosives and a total length of about five kilometers, is presented as a significant operational achievement. The article argues that this achievement was made possible by prolonged ground presence, and analyzes the strategic implications of dismantling Hezbollah's infrastructure in southern Lebanon.

The demolition of the tunnel network in the Ali al-Taym ridge, involving 1,100 tons of explosives and a total length of about five kilometers, is presented by the author, Brig. Gen. (res.) Asher Ben Lulu, as a significant operational achievement. The article argues that this achievement was made possible by the decision not to withdraw from southern Lebanon, and that prolonged ground presence is necessary to dismantle Hezbollah's infrastructure. The author analyzes three key insights: there are systems that can only be dismantled through presence on the ground; no other entity can do this; and dismantling the organization requires a prolonged campaign. He notes that Hezbollah's failure to assist its fighters added a psychological dimension to the achievement. The article emphasizes the Iranian context and warns against withdrawal without dismantling infrastructure, which could return Israel to a front against a more lethal organization. The author states that prolonged presence on the ground, along with preventing residents from returning to villages until infrastructure is dismantled, is the key lesson from the operation.