Israel Says It Cleared Tunnels to Strategic Hezbollah Fortress in Lebanon
Israeli forces cleared Hezbollah fighters from a tunnel network beneath the strategic Ali al-Taher ridge in southern Lebanon, triggering a 4.1 magnitude tremor. AFP journalists in the area heard several explosions, and Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz shared a video showing a huge fireball rising into the night sky. The Israeli Defense Ministry asserts operational control over the highland position, which remains a primary flashpoint despite a ceasefire announced in June. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz stated that Israel will continue defending northern communities from within Lebanon.
What changed
The Israeli military demolished the tunnel network beneath the Ali al-Taher ridge, generating a 4.1 magnitude tremor and visual evidence of large explosions.
Live updates
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Israel Clears Strategic Hezbollah Tunnels in Southern Lebanon
Israeli forces cleared Hezbollah fighters from a tunnel network beneath the strategic Ali al-Taher ridge in southern Lebanon, triggering a 4.1 magnitude tremor. AFP journalists in the area heard several explosions, and Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz shared a video showing a huge fireball rising into the night sky. The Israeli Defense Ministry asserts operational control over the highland position, which remains a primary flashpoint despite a ceasefire announced in June. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz stated that Israel will continue defending northern communities from within Lebanon.
Why it matters
The Ali al-Taher ridge serves as a major focal point in the conflict due to the extensive underground infrastructure utilized by the Iran-backed group. Israeli leadership maintains that any attempts to harm citizens or military forces will face a forceful response. Meanwhile, regional tensions extend beyond the Lebanese border as United States Central Command targets Iranian oil tankers following Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps attacks on Navy warships.
What is confirmed
- Israeli forces cleared Hezbollah fighters from a tunnel network beneath the strategic Ali al-Taher ridge in southern Lebanon.
- The demolitions triggered a 4.1 magnitude tremor, and journalists in the area heard several explosions.
- Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz shared a video showing a huge fireball rising into the night sky.
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israel Katz stated that the state will continue to defend northern communities from within Lebanon.
Still unconfirmed
- President Donald Trump stated that Iran has very little country left right now following United States Central Command strikes on oil tankers.
What to watch next
- Official statements or reactions from Hezbollah regarding the loss of the Ali al-Taher ridge position
- Further developments in the maritime conflict involving United States forces and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (5)
- www.foxnews.com — Trump gives timeline for when Iran war will end and prices fall
- www.al-monitor.com — Israel says it destroyed Hezbollah tunnels in Ali al-Taher ridge: What to know
- www.al-monitor.com — Tremor recorded as Israel says Hezbollah tunnels destroyed in south Lebanon
- www.aljazeera.com — Israel says it destroyed key Hezbollah tunnels in southern Lebanon
- www.jns.org — Lebanon: IDF destroys Hezbollah tunnel network, consolidating security zone
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Israel Claims Operational Control of Ali al-Taher Ridge
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced Friday that military forces cleared Hezbollah fighters from a tunnel network beneath the strategic Ali al-Taher ridge in southern Lebanon. The Israeli Defense Ministry asserts operational control over the highland position. This area remains a primary flashpoint in the conflict despite a ceasefire announced in June. While Israel claims the ridge is clear, Hezbollah has not yet commented on the loss of the position.
Why it matters
The high-altitude ridge provides a wide vantage point over southern Lebanon, making it a high-value military asset. This operation follows months of fighting for the hilltop. Iran previously warned the United States against Israeli offensives in this specific region.
What is confirmed
- Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced on Friday that forces cleared Hezbollah fighters from tunnels under the Ali al-Taher ridge.
- The Ali al-Taher ridge is located in southern Lebanon and overlooks a wide area.
- A ceasefire in the conflict was announced in June.
Still unconfirmed
- The Israeli Defense Ministry asserts operational control over the strategic highland.
What to watch next
- Official confirmation or denial from Hezbollah regarding the status of the ridge
- Further Iranian diplomatic or military responses to the seizure of the highland
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (4)
- www.nytimes.com — World News
- www.aljazeera.com — Israel claims control of Lebanon’s key Ali al-Taher ridge: What that means
- yalibnan.com — Israel says it has cleared Hezbollah fighters from tunnels under Lebanon’ Ali al-Tahir ridge
- www.yahoo.com — Oil prices up as Iran says it will expand control over Strait of Hormuz
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Israel Clears Tunnels Under Strategic Lebanon Ridge
Israeli forces have cleared Hezbollah fighters from a network of tunnels beneath the strategic Ali al-Taher ridge in southern Lebanon following a months-long military operation. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced the capture of the key hilltop position on Friday. The high-altitude ridge overlooks a wide area, making it one of the most fiercely contested battlegrounds in the ongoing conflict despite a ceasefire that was announced in June. Iran has issued a warning to the United States regarding any potential Israeli offensive on the southern Lebanon ridge.
Why it matters
The operation highlights ongoing hostilities in southern Lebanon despite diplomatic efforts to enforce a ceasefire brokered in June. The Ali al-Taher ridge serves as a major tactical stronghold, and its capture cements the military foothold of Israeli forces in the area. Meanwhile, regional tensions have escalated as Tehran issues warnings to Washington over the unfolding situation.
What is confirmed
- Israel's military has cleared Hezbollah fighters holed up in tunnels under the strategic Ali al-Taher ridge in southern Lebanon.
- Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced the clearance of the tunnels on Friday.
- The Ali al-Taher ridge overlooks a wide area and has been a hotly contested zone despite a June ceasefire.
Still unconfirmed
- Iran has warned the United States that it will respond forcefully to any Israeli offensive on the south Lebanon ridge.
What to watch next
- Any formal response or statement from Hezbollah regarding the loss of the Ali al-Taher ridge.
- Potential diplomatic or military reactions from the United States following the warning from Iran.
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (10)
- The Times of Israel — Iran has warned US it will respond forcefully to any Israeli offensive on south Lebanon ridge
- Reuters — Iran warns US against Israeli attack on south Lebanon ridge held by Hezbollah, sources say
- The Jerusalem Post — IDF clears Hezbollah tunnels on Ali al-Taher ridge in Lebanon after months-long operation
- The New York Times — Israel Says It Cleared Tunnels to Strategic Hezbollah Fortress in Lebanon
- Reuters — Israel says it has cleared Hezbollah fighters from tunnels under key Lebanon ridge
- nytimes.com — Israel Says It Is Cementing Its Foothold in Southern Lebanon
- France 24 — Live: Israel says it has captured key ridge in southern Lebanon from Hezbollah
- France 24 — Israel says it has seized Lebanon's key Ali al-Taher ridge from Hezbollah
- www.al-monitor.com — Israel says it has cleared Hezbollah fighters from tunnels under key Lebanon ridge
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