Israel says it has operational control over Ali al-Taher ridge in Lebanon
The Israeli army said it had established “operational control” over the strategic Ali al-Taher ridge area in southern Lebanon, where intermittent clashes with Hezbollah have taken place in recent weeks. Asharq Al-Awsat reports.
Israeli army statement
According to the Israeli military, its units cleared two underground routes of Hezbollah fighters. The army said that some of the fighters were killed, while others fled. The operation, it said, is ongoing.
The Israeli military said that after completing work to neutralize the underground infrastructure, it plans to move to a defensive deployment depending on the situation assessment. It also said it had discovered operational rooms, rooms for combat equipment, generators and accommodation, as well as showers and a kitchen in the underground structures.
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Significance of the elevation
The Israeli army called these structures strategic infrastructure which, it claims, was built over two decades with planning and financing by the Iranian regime. The Israeli side also said that operations in the area in recent weeks had neutralized the ability to attack Israeli military personnel and citizens from there.
Hezbollah did not immediately comment on these statements. The Israeli army said it would continue operations in the so-called security zone in southern Lebanon and respond forcefully to any attempts at attack, while stating its commitment to the ceasefire agreement.
The Ali al-Taher ridge rises above several villages and the main roads leading to Nabatieh. The report notes that losing control of this elevation could complicate Hezbollah’s presence and supply in the area.
