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Israel establishes operational control over the Ali al-Taher ridge in southern Lebanon

The Israeli military has established operational control over the Ali al-Taher ridge in southern Lebanon, a strategic highland that overlooks several nearby regions, including the city of Nabatieh. The ridge, which was a key stronghold for the Hezbollah militant group, featured a network of underground tunnels, command centers, weapons storage rooms, and living quarters funded by Iran. Israel claimed to have cleared the area of Hezbollah fighters, though the militant group has not yet issued an official statement regarding the loss of the site. The ridge was a major focus of Israeli military operations since July, and its capture is expected to give Israel greater leverage in upcoming negotiations with the Lebanese government. The Lebanese government has pushed for the Lebanese army to take over the ridge, but Hezbollah has refused to hand it over, fearing that Israel would seize it from the Lebanese army. Israel is currently preparing to destroy the underground routes and begin a phased withdrawal from its security belt. Displaced residents are currently not permitted to return to the area vacated by Israeli forces.

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