WATCH: Israeli PM Netanyahu Says IDF Eliminated Hezbollah Fighters At Strategic Ridge

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday claimed that Israeli forces had seized “operational control” of the strategic Ali Taher ridge in southern Lebanon after clearing Hezbollah fighters from underground routes beneath the area. Netanyahu said the ridge had been used as a strategic position to threaten northern Israel, including Kiryat Shmona and Metula. The Israeli military said troops gained control both above and below ground near Nabatieh after weeks of fighting in the area.