Israel has seized the strategically placed Ali al-Taher ridge in southern Lebanon. Defence Minister Israel Katz announced on Friday that Israeli forces have established operational control over the highland, which is located approximately 10 kilometres from the border.
The ridge had been targeted by Israeli strikes in recent weeks, continuing despite a ceasefire. This recent capture has further entrenched the Israeli occupation of Lebanese territory at a time when efforts to broker a lasting peace have floundered.
Hezbollah has downplayed the seizure of the hill, which occurred on Thursday. The Lebanese Shiite movement denounced the maneuver as an electoral ploy by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.