Israel claims control of Lebanon’s key Ali al-Taher ridge: What that means

Live updates

1. 5d ago

   Israel Demolishes Hezbollah Tunnels Under Ali al-Taher Ridge

   Israeli forces demolished key tunnel networks beneath the strategic Ali al-Taher ridge in southern Lebanon, generating a 4.1 magnitude tremor and multiple explosions heard by journalists. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz shared video footage showing a massive fireball rising into the night sky following the demolition. The operation follows earlier clashes in which Israel seized the high ground from Hezbollah months after a ceasefire. The ridge has served as a major flashpoint due to the extensive underground infrastructure utilized by the Iran-backed group.

   Why it matters

   The capture and subsequent destruction of the Ali al-Taher ridge fortifications mark a significant escalation in southern Lebanon following a prior ceasefire. Israel states it holds operational control over the southern region, while Iran has issued warnings to the United States regarding any offensive targeting the ridge position.

   What is confirmed

   • Israel stated Thursday that it demolished key tunnels built by Hezbollah beneath the strategic Ali al-Taher ridge in southern Lebanon.
   • The demolition triggered a 4.1 magnitude tremor and several explosions heard by journalists in the area.
   • Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz shared a video showing a huge fireball rising into the night sky.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Iran reportedly deployed new electro-optical missiles against US warships for the first time Wednesday as the IRGC intensified attacks on American forces.

   What to watch next

   • Further official announcements from Israeli authorities regarding the destruction phase of captured fortifications
   • Response from Iran or Hezbollah to the demolition of the Ali al-Taher tunnel networks
   Sources used for this update (7)

   1. www.commondreams.org — Cluster Munitions: Ban Treaty Under Pressure
   2. www.commondreams.org — Allies’ Concrete Action on Settlements Welcome and Necessary
   3. www.middleeasteye.net — Ali al-Taher: What Israel’s 'operational control' of the hill really means for Hezbollah and Lebanon
   4. www.timesnownews.com — Iran US War LIVE Updates: Houthis Push Towards Bab al-Mandeb, Shoot Down Saudi Drone In Yemen’s Hajjah
   5. www.al-monitor.com — Israel says it destroyed Hezbollah tunnels in Ali al-Taher ridge: What to know
   6. www.al-monitor.com — Tremor recorded as Israel says Hezbollah tunnels destroyed in south Lebanon
   7. thedispatch.com — September 11, 25 Years Later
   confidence 100%
2. 8d ago

   Israel Claims Control Over Key Ali al-Taher Ridge in Lebanon

   Israel states it has seized the strategic Ali al-Taher ridge in southern Lebanon from Hezbollah following military clashes months after a ceasefire. Israeli forces report clearing Hezbollah fighters from tunnel networks underneath the high ground and claim full control over the southern region. The operation has triggered a warning from Iran, which told the United States that Tehran will respond forcefully to any Israeli offensive targeting the south Lebanon ridge position. Israeli authorities are now weighing the destruction phase for the captured fortifications.

   Why it matters

   The battle over the Ali al-Taher ridge marks a significant escalation in southern Lebanon despite an existing ceasefire. Hezbollah has historically relied on defensive positions and subterranean networks in this area, which analysts liken to a Maginot Line. Cementing a foothold on the ridge alters the military balance and pressures diplomatic channels as regional actors react.

   What is confirmed

   • Israel claims control of Lebanon's Ali al-Taher ridge after seizing the hill from Hezbollah.
   • Israel states it has cleared Hezbollah fighters from tunnels under the key Lebanon ridge.
   • Iran has warned the United States that it will respond forcefully to any Israeli offensive on the south Lebanon ridge.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Israel is currently weighing a destruction phase at the Ali al-Taher ridge.

   What to watch next

   • Any direct military response from Iran or Hezbollah regarding the ridge capture
   • Actions taken by Israeli forces during the reported destruction phase at Ali al-Taher
   • United States diplomatic responses to Iranian warnings over southern Lebanon
   Sources used for this update (12)

   1. The Times of Israel — Iran has warned US it will respond forcefully to any Israeli offensive on south Lebanon ridge
   2. The New York Times — Israel Says It Cleared Tunnels to Strategic Hezbollah Fortress in Lebanon
   3. Reuters — Israel says it has cleared Hezbollah fighters from tunnels under key Lebanon ridge
   4. nytimes.com — Israel Says It Is Cementing Its Foothold in Southern Lebanon
   5. France 24 — Israel says it has seized Lebanon's key Ali al-Taher ridge from Hezbollah
   6. Le Monde.fr — Israel claims full control over southern Lebanon after capturing Ali Taher hill
   7. AP News — Months after ceasefire, Israel and Hezbollah battle over a strategic hill in Lebanon
   8. Al Jazeera — Israel claims control of Lebanon’s key Ali al-Taher ridge: What that means
   9. The Jerusalem Post — Live Updates: Latest from Israel, Iran, and the Middle East
   10. The Jerusalem Post — Why Hezbollah trusts in a 'Maginot Line' defense at Ali al-Taher ridge - analysis
   11. Ynetnews — Israel weighs destruction phase at Ali Taher Ridge as Hezbollah seeks Iranian response
   12. Dayton Daily News — Lebanon Israel Strategic Hill
   confidence 95%