Netanyahu Threatens Israel's Enemies: You Will Receive a Much Heavier Blow
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned of harsh retaliation against Israel’s enemies should they launch further attacks, while praising the recent destruction of Hezbollah’s tunnel network in southern Lebanon. He ensured that a much heavier response would follow.
As reported by AFP on Tuesday (15/09/2026), Netanyahu stated that the destruction of Hezbollah positions by Israel at the Beaufort and Ali al-Taher ridges constitutes a “great victory” and promised to “continue destroying terrorist infrastructure.”
“I say to our enemies: If you have not yet learned from your experiences so far, and you choose to attack us again, you will receive a much heavier blow. There are still tasks to be completed,” said Netanyahu, as seen in a video released by his office.
On Thursday, Israel detonated what they described as an extensive tunnel network beneath the Ali al-Taber ridge; at this location, Hezbollah stored command centres, residences, and weapon supplies intended to attack northern Israel and invading Israeli forces.
Giant fireballs were visible in the area, and the United States Geological Survey (USGS) recorded tremors equivalent to a magnitude 4.1 earthquake.
The explosion occurred a week after Israeli forces stated they had seized the strategic heights in an effort to strengthen control over a “security zone” in southern Lebanon.
Israel stated that the tunnel network was constructed over two decades with assistance from Iran—the primary supporter of Hezbollah—whose clerical government also supports Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
Israel and the United States attacked Iran in late February, triggering a war in the Middle East.
Hezbollah dragged Lebanon into a broader conflict by firing rockets towards Israel in a show of solidarity with Iran.
Israel has launched attacks into southern Lebanon throughout the war, and its forces continue to occupy the territory they refer to as a “security zone.”
The Ali al-Taher ridge is located on the edge of Israel’s security zone, just a few kilometres from Beaufort Castle—a UNESCO World Heritage site and another strategic location seized by Israel in recent months.
Israel and Lebanon signed a US-brokered framework agreement in late June; this agreement includes the disarmament of Hezbollah, the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, and the deployment of Lebanese troops to the region, starting from a trial area known as a “pilot zone.”