Israel has seized the strategically located Ali al-Taher ridge in southern Lebanon, located approximately 10 kilometers from the Israeli border. Defence Minister Israel Katz announced the seizure on Friday, stating that Israeli forces have cleared Hezbollah fighters from tunnels beneath the highland. While Hezbollah has not confirmed the loss of the ridge, the group has downplayed the maneuver, characterizing it as an electoral ploy by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The capture of the ridge further entrenches the Israeli occupation of Lebanese territory amid floundering efforts to broker a lasting peace. Israeli attacks against towns and villages in southern Lebanon persist despite diplomacy and truce agreements. In Froun, ongoing operations and explosions have disrupted daily life.
Recent strikes in southern and eastern Lebanon on September 4 left at least three people dead and 23 injured, according to the Lebanese health ministry, while other reports indicate fresh strikes killed two and injured four. The Israeli military stated that these strikes were carried out after Hezbollah launched a drone attack toward Israeli soldiers.
This ongoing operation, which began in June, has coincided with flared fighting between the United States and Iran.