Months after ceasefire, Israel and Hezbollah battle over a strategic hill in Lebanon
Israel killed Mohammed Abdel Salam al-Yazouri, commander of the Qassam Khan Younis Brigade, in a Thursday airstrike. Hamas confirmed al-Yazouri helped plan the October 7, 2023 attacks. Meanwhile, Iran-backed Houthi militants expanded control over Yemen's western coast, seizing the Dhubab district and the strategic Bab al-Mandeb strait. The Houthis also captured Mayyun Island, Zuqar Island, and the Hanish Islands archipelago following their takeover of Mokha city and its port. In Lebanon, Israeli forces maintain operational control of the Ali al-Taher ridge after Hezbollah withdrew from the strategic height.
What changed
Israel assassinated a top Hamas brigade commander and Houthi forces seized control of the Bab al-Mandeb strait and several Red Sea islands.
Live updates
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Israel Kills Hamas Commander as Houthi Forces Seize Red Sea Islands
Israel killed Mohammed Abdel Salam al-Yazouri, commander of the Qassam Khan Younis Brigade, in a Thursday airstrike. Hamas confirmed al-Yazouri helped plan the October 7, 2023 attacks. Meanwhile, Iran-backed Houthi militants expanded control over Yemen's western coast, seizing the Dhubab district and the strategic Bab al-Mandeb strait. The Houthis also captured Mayyun Island, Zuqar Island, and the Hanish Islands archipelago following their takeover of Mokha city and its port. In Lebanon, Israeli forces maintain operational control of the Ali al-Taher ridge after Hezbollah withdrew from the strategic height.
Why it matters
The assassination occurs as Israel continues bombing campaigns despite US efforts to restore a 2025 ceasefire. The Houthi expansion threatens one of the world's most critical strategic waterways. These events follow a ceasefire breach in southern Lebanon that killed seven people.
What is confirmed
- Israel killed Mohammed Abdel Salam al-Yazouri, commander of the Qassam Khan Younis Brigade, in a Thursday airstrike.
- Hamas confirmed al-Yazouri played a prominent role in planning the October 7, 2023 attacks.
- Houthi militants captured Mayyun Island, Zuqar Island, and the Hanish Islands archipelago.
- Houthi forces seized the Dhubab district overlooking the Bab al-Mandeb strait and the city of Mokha.
- Hezbollah withdrew from the Ali al-Taher ridge.
What to watch next
- US efforts to salvage the 2025 ceasefire
- Further Houthi movements along the Yemeni western coast
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (7)
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- www.middleeasteye.net — Ali al-Taher: What Israel’s 'operational control' of the hill really means for Hezbollah and Lebanon
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- english.aawsat.com — Israel Assassinates Qassam’s Commander of the Khan Younis Brigade
- english.aawsat.com — Houthis Seize Bab Al-Mandeb and Yemeni Islands in Southern Red Sea
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Israel targets Gaza weapons depots as Lebanon fighting persists
Israeli forces maintain control of the Ali al-Taher ridge in southern Lebanon following a ceasefire breach that has killed seven people. Meanwhile, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) report destroying three weapons depots and a rocket launching position in the Gaza Strip. The IDF states these facilities belonged to Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad and stored dozens of weapons, including assault rifles and rockets. These strikes follow reports that Hamas operatives used the depots to monitor and establish control over the Gaza Strip.
Why it matters
The seizure of the Ali al-Taher ridge ended a two-month period of relative calm in Lebanon. This escalation coincides with ongoing Israeli efforts to dismantle militant infrastructure in Gaza to prevent the rebuilding of rocket capabilities.
What is confirmed
- The IDF destroyed three weapons depots and a rocket launching position in the Gaza Strip.
- The weapons depots belonged to Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.
- Israeli forces seized the Ali al-Taher ridge in southern Lebanon.
- Recent fighting in Lebanon resulted in seven deaths.
What to watch next
- Reports on further IDF operations to reduce terrorist capabilities in Gaza
- Updates on the status of the ceasefire in southern Lebanon
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (4)
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Israel and Hezbollah Fight Over Key Ridge in Lebanon
Israeli forces have seized control of the strategic Ali al-Taher ridge in southern Lebanon, clearing Hezbollah tunnels and fighters following months of operations. The escalation shatters a ceasefire that had largely halted fighting in Lebanon for more than two months. Recent Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon killed four people and wounded twenty others, while also destroying an empty hospital according to Lebanon's Health Ministry. The total death toll in the latest fighting reached seven people.
Why it matters
The capture of the Ali al-Taher ridge underscores Israel's ongoing efforts to cement its foothold in southern Lebanon despite a previous ceasefire agreement. This high-altitude position serves as a vital strategic fortress in the region. The breach of the relative calm introduces new volatility to the border zone as military operations intensify.
What is confirmed
- Israeli forces seized control of the Ali al-Taher ridge in southern Lebanon and cleared Hezbollah tunnels.
- A previous ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah had largely halted fighting in Lebanon for more than two months.
- Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon killed 4 people and wounded 20 others, destroying an empty hospital.
Still unconfirmed
- Iran claimed to have struck an unmanned American military vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, a claim denied by the US military as a total lie.
What to watch next
- Further ground movements or fortification efforts by the Israeli military around southern Lebanon ridges.
- Responses from Hezbollah regarding the loss of the Ali al-Taher ridge.
- Any official diplomatic interventions to restore the fractured ceasefire.
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (18)
- 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 — Israel says it has seized Lebanon's key Ali al-Taher ridge from Hezbollah
- Le Monde.fr — Israel claims full control over southern Lebanon after capturing Ali Taher hill
- AP News — 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.wsbradio.com — US denies Iran's claim to have struck an unmanned ship, and other Mideast news
- uk.news.yahoo.com — Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon kill 4 people and wound 20 others
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