Israeli army has seized Lebanon's key Ali al-Taher ridge from Hezbollah
Israel demolished key Hezbollah tunnels beneath the strategic Ali al-Taher ridge in southern Lebanon on Thursday. The operation triggered a 4.1 magnitude tremor and several explosions heard by AFP journalists. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz released video showing a large fireball during the strike. This action follows Israel's claim last week of establishing operational control over the ridge. Separate airstrikes in southern Lebanon killed 13 people, including women and children, as Israel targets the Iran-backed group for alleged ceasefire violations.
What changed
Israel transitioned from claiming operational control of the ridge to the physical destruction of its underground tunnel infrastructure.
Live updates
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Israel destroys Hezbollah tunnel network at Ali al-Taher ridge
Israel demolished key Hezbollah tunnels beneath the strategic Ali al-Taher ridge in southern Lebanon on Thursday. The operation triggered a 4.1 magnitude tremor and several explosions heard by AFP journalists. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz released video showing a large fireball during the strike. This action follows Israel's claim last week of establishing operational control over the ridge. Separate airstrikes in southern Lebanon killed 13 people, including women and children, as Israel targets the Iran-backed group for alleged ceasefire violations.
Why it matters
The ridge is a strategic flashpoint because of an extensive tunnel network used by Hezbollah. This escalation occurs amid a wider conflict involving U.S. attacks on Iranian oil tankers and retaliatory strikes. Crude oil prices have hit a 15-week high of $100 per barrel due to these tensions.
What is confirmed
- Israel destroyed a network of Hezbollah tunnels on the Ali al-Taher ridge.
- The demolition of the tunnels triggered a 4.1 magnitude tremor.
- Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon killed 13 people, including women and children.
- Crude oil reached $100 per barrel.
Still unconfirmed
- President Donald Trump stated Iran has very little country left after U.S. Central Command targeted oil tankers.
What to watch next
- Hezbollah's formal response to the destruction of the Ali al-Taher tunnels
- Further U.S. or Iranian naval engagements in the Strait of Hormuz
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (7)
- www.aol.co.uk — Israel intensifies South Lebanon strikes, killing 13 in latest escalation
- www.yahoo.com — Oil hits $100 per barrel as U.S. and Iran launch new attacks
- www.foxnews.com — Trump gives timeline for when Iran war will end and prices fall
- www.aljazeera.com — Israel says it destroyed Hezbollah base in Lebanon’s Ali al-Taher ridge
- 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
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Israel claims operational control of Ali al-Taher ridge
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) claim they have achieved operational control above and below ground at the Ali al-Taher ridge in southern Lebanon. The IDF reports clearing Hezbollah fighters from underground infrastructure following weeks of attacks and failed attempts by the Lebanese government to secure the site through negotiation. Hezbollah denies the loss of the position. This development follows a period of regional tension and Iranian threats of direct retaliation against Israeli offensives in the area.
Why it matters
The ridge is a strategic highland fortress. Its seizure follows a months-long operation to clear tunnels and a previous ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. Iran has warned the United States it will respond forcefully to Israeli actions on the ridge.
What is confirmed
- The IDF claims it cleared Hezbollah fighters from underground infrastructure at Ali al-Taher Ridge.
- Iran threatened direct retaliation over the Israeli offensive on the ridge.
Still unconfirmed
- Israeli airstrikes on a southern Lebanese village killed 12 people, including two children.
What to watch next
- Lebanese government statements on the failed handover negotiations.
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (4)
- www.yahoo.com — Price of diesel in U.S. hits record as Vance downplays Iran war impact
- www.longwarjournal.org — Israel claims control of Ali al Taher after weeks of Hezbollah attacks and failed handover efforts
- www.whio.com — Israeli airstrikes on Lebanese village kill 12, plus other key Mideast developments
- www.france24.com — Driver thanks 'superhero' rival for saving him from flaming race car
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Israel Seizes Key Ali al-Taher Ridge from Hezbollah
The Israeli military has seized the strategic Ali al-Taher ridge in southern Lebanon following a months-long operation to clear Hezbollah tunnels and fighters from the highland fortress. The seizure comes months after a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, and follows separate Israeli air strikes in southern Lebanon that killed four people after an alleged drone launch. Iran warned the United States that it will respond forcefully to any Israeli offensive on the southern Lebanon ridge, escalating regional tensions amid separate military engagements involving Iranian and American forces.
Why it matters
The capture of the Ali al-Taher ridge marks a significant escalation in southern Lebanon following months of fragile calm after a prior ceasefire. Israeli forces have cleared tunnels beneath the strategic highland, cementing their foothold in the area despite regional warnings. The operation has drawn sharp warnings from Iran, raising the stakes for wider military friction.
What is confirmed
- The Israeli military has seized the Ali al-Taher ridge in southern Lebanon from Hezbollah.
- The Israel Defense Forces cleared Hezbollah tunnels on the Ali al-Taher ridge after a months-long operation.
- Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon killed four people, including two women, following an alleged Hezbollah drone launch.
- Iran warned the United States that it will respond forcefully to any Israeli offensive on the south Lebanon ridge.
What to watch next
- Response from Hezbollah to the loss of the Ali al-Taher ridge
- Further diplomatic or military actions by Iran following its warning to the United States
- Developments regarding Israeli operational control and troop positioning in southern Lebanon
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (15)
- The Times of Israel — Iran has warned US it will respond forcefully to any Israeli offensive on south Lebanon ridge
- 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
- Haaretz — IDF says it took over Hezbollah stronghold after reports of Iran threats
- 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
- www.aljazeera.com — Israel claims control of Lebanon’s key Ali al-Taher ridge: What that means