Israeli military claims control of Lebanon’s strategic Ali Al-Taher ridge

Hind Al Soulia - Riyadh - BEIRUT — Israel said Thursday it had gained operational control of the strategic Ali al-Taher ridge in southern Lebanon, hours after Tehran had warned Washington that a full-fledged Israeli offensive in the area would trigger a forceful Iranian response.

Ali al-Taher, where Hezbollah is believed to have an extensive underground military facility, witnessed sporadic clashes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah in recent weeks.

The Israeli military said its forces established operational control over the area through offensive actions including ambushes, mortar fire, grenades and drone attacks.

The military said troops had cleared Hezbollah fighters from two underground routes, killing some while others fled. It said operations were ongoing.

The Israeli army stated that inside the underground infrastructure, it discovered operations rooms, rooms designated for combat gear, and others for generators and accommodation, in addition to showering facilities and a kitchen, allowing Hezbollah fighters to manage combat and remain inside for extended periods.

It described these facilities as “strategic infrastructure” built over two decades, saying they were planned and funded by the Iranian regime.

There was no immediate comment from Hezbollah.

The Israeli army said its forces will continue to clear the so-called “security zone” Israel occupies in southern Lebanon of Hezbollah, saying it will not allow the party to carry out plots against it.

Any attempt by Hezbollah to launch attacks against the army “will be met with force,” warned Israel, while saying it was committed to the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon.

The Ali al-Taher hill overlooks several villages as well as main roads leading to the city of Nabatieh. Losing control of it would disrupt Hezbollah’s presence and supply lines in the area.

Reuters reported earlier Thursday that Tehran had warned the United States against a full-fledged Israeli offensive on Ali al-Taher, a strategically positioned ridge that has become one of the most contested areas of the Israel-Hezbollah war.

The message, delivered last month, highlights Iran's continued ‌involvement in the ground fighting in southern Lebanon and its readiness to retaliate against Israeli attacks there as the regional war enters its seventh month.

Two officials briefed by Tehran said more than a dozen members of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, including at least two senior officers, had been at the ridge alongside Hezbollah fighters.