The Israeli military said on Thursday it destroyed a network of Hezbollah tunnels in Lebanon’s Ali al-Taher ridge, marking a major escalation after weeks of fighting over the area. 

“The terror infrastructure and the command center on the ridge were designed to serve as the staging base for the conquest of the Galilee, and had observation and fire dominance over Metula and Kiryat Shmona. Their destruction completes the achievement of operational control over the Ali Taher ridge — above and below ground,” said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz in a joint statement, referring to parts of northern Israel. 

The two described the site as “strategic terror infrastructure built over two decades, with Iranian funding and planning.” 

Lebanon's official National News Agency reported heavy Israeli strikes in the area, while Israel's Channel 12 posted footage of the bombing.

Katz had announced last week that Hezbollah fighters previously entrenched in the tunnels had been killed or fled. 

Located in southern Lebanon, the Ali al-Taher ridge has long held significant strategic importance and was controlled by the Israeli military from 1982 to 2000 during its occupation of southern Lebanon. Hezbollah is believed to have built an extensive underground network there following the Israeli withdrawal. 

There was no immediate comment from Lebanon or Hezbollah. Israel and Lebanon are expected to hold their latest round of US-backed talks later this month in Rome. 

Reuters reported earlier this month that Iran had warned the United States against an Israeli attack on the ridge.