Israel says it has cleared Hezbollah fighters from tunnels under key Lebanon ridge
The Israeli military has destroyed a network of Hezbollah tunnels on the strategic Ali al-Taher ridge in southern Lebanon. This operational control follows weeks of conflict over the ridge, which Israel identifies as a critical infrastructure hub for the Iran-backed group. The development coincides with an escalation in the broader conflict with Iran, including U.S. Central Command strikes on Iranian oil tankers and Iranian missile attacks against U.S. jets based in Jordan. President Donald Trump expects the war with Iran to end immediately after the November midterm elections.
What changed
U.S. jets in Jordan were hit by Iranian missiles following President Trump's timeline for ending the war after the midterms.
Live updates
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Israel destroys Hezbollah tunnel network at Ali al-Taher ridge
The Israeli military has destroyed a network of Hezbollah tunnels on the strategic Ali al-Taher ridge in southern Lebanon. This operational control follows weeks of conflict over the ridge, which Israel identifies as a critical infrastructure hub for the Iran-backed group. The development coincides with an escalation in the broader conflict with Iran, including U.S. Central Command strikes on Iranian oil tankers and Iranian missile attacks against U.S. jets based in Jordan. President Donald Trump expects the war with Iran to end immediately after the November midterm elections.
Why it matters
The Ali al-Taher ridge serves as a strategic flashpoint due to its extensive underground networks. The regional instability has expanded to the Strait of Hormuz, where the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has targeted Navy warships.
What is confirmed
- Israel destroyed a network of Hezbollah tunnels on the Ali al-Taher ridge.
- President Trump expects the war with Iran to end after the November midterm elections.
- U.S. Central Command targeted Iranian oil tankers following IRGC attempts to attack Navy warships.
Still unconfirmed
- Iranian missiles hit U.S. jets at a base in Jordan.
- President Trump stated Iran has very little country left right now.
What to watch next
- The November midterm elections
- Further IRGC activity in the Strait of Hormuz
- Hezbollah response to the loss of the Ali al-Taher ridge
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (5)
- www.yahoo.com — Iran strikes U.S. jets after Trump promises war to end after midterms
- 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.aljazeera.com — Israel says it destroyed key Hezbollah tunnels in southern Lebanon
- www.yahoo.com — Trump predicts Iran war will end after midterms amid record attacks | Morning in America
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IDF claims operational control of Ali al Taher ridge in south Lebanon
The Israeli Defense Forces claim they have achieved operational control above and below ground at the Ali al Taher ridge after clearing Hezbollah fighters from underground infrastructure. This follows weeks of Hezbollah attacks and unsuccessful attempts by the Lebanese government to secure the site through negotiation. While Israel asserts the area is clear, Hezbollah has denied losing the strategic position. The development has prompted Iran to threaten direct retaliation as Israel works to solidify its presence in southern Lebanon.
Why it matters
The ridge is a strategic high point overlooking a wide area in southern Lebanon. It remains a contested zone despite a ceasefire announced in June. Control of the ridge influences military visibility and movement in the region.
What is confirmed
- The Israeli military cleared Hezbollah fighters from tunnels beneath the Ali al Taher ridge.
- The IDF claims it has achieved operational control above and below ground at the ridge.
Still unconfirmed
- Hezbollah denies losing the strategic position.
- Iran has threatened direct retaliation following the Israeli operation.
- Lebanese government negotiation efforts to secure the site failed.
What to watch next
- Confirmation or denial of the ridge's status from independent observers
- Any direct military response from Iran
- Updates on the June ceasefire status
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (4)
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- www.globalbankingandfinance.com — Moscow has not ruled out trilateral meeting between presidents of Russia, US, China, TASS reports
- www.longwarjournal.org — Israel claims control of Ali al Taher after weeks of Hezbollah attacks and failed handover efforts
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Israel Clears Tunnels Under Strategic Lebanon Ridge
The Israeli military has cleared Hezbollah fighters from tunnels beneath the strategic Ali al-Taher ridge in southern Lebanon. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced the operation on Friday, stating that forces removed fighters holed up underground. The ridge overlooks a wide area and has emerged as a heavily contested zone in the ongoing conflict despite a ceasefire that was announced in June. The operation comes as Israel seeks to cement its foothold in southern Lebanon, prompting warnings from regional actors regarding potential escalation.
Why it matters
The fighting around the Ali al-Taher ridge persists months after a ceasefire was declared in June, highlighting the fragility of previous cessation agreements. The high ground provides a commanding view over a wide expanse of southern Lebanon, making it a critical military asset for both the Israel Defense Forces and Hezbollah. Iran has warned the United States that it will respond forcefully to any Israeli offensive targeting the south Lebanon ridge.
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 made the announcement regarding the clearance of the ridge.
- 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 military response or official statement from Iran regarding the seizure of the ridge
- Further Israeli military maneuvers to cement footholds in southern Lebanon
- Reactions from international mediators overseeing the fragile June ceasefire
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (12)
- The Times of Israel — Iran has warned US it will respond forcefully to any Israeli offensive on south Lebanon ridge
- 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
- Haaretz — IDF says it took over Hezbollah stronghold after reports of Iran threats
- Ynetnews — Hezbollah terrorists trapped underground as IDF clears key southern Lebanon ridge
- Le Monde.fr — Israel claims full control over southern Lebanon after capturing Ali Taher hill
- The Hill — Months after ceasefire, Israel and Hezbollah battle over a strategic hill in Lebanon
- Al Jazeera — 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