The Israeli military declared on Thursday that its armed forces have secured operational command of the strategic Ali al-Taher ridge in southern Lebanon, following weeks of localised ground fighting against Hezbollah positions in the high-altitude sector.
The high ground, located at an altitude of about 600 metres above sea level, is of strategic importance to the region’s border terrain. Located at a distance of approximately 15 kilometres from the Israeli border, the hills overlook numerous rural villages in the vicinity and the main routes connecting directly to the town of Nabatieh. Domination of such high grounds will provide a clear strategic advantage in terms of logistics, supply lines, and communication previously established by Hezbollah in the south.
According to military statements released on Thursday, ground infantry and engineering units successfully cleared Hezbollah operatives from two extensive underground tunnel networks running beneath the mountain terrain. While several fighters were killed during the engagements, others retreated deeper into surrounding territory as Israeli forces advanced to consolidate control over the subterranean passages.
The military disclosed that the seized underground infrastructure housed fully functional operations rooms, designated arms storage depots, electrical generator spaces, and quarters for long-term accommodation, complete with running water and kitchen facilities. Israeli defence sources described the complex as a major “strategic infrastructure” project built over two decades, alleging that the subterranean network was directly engineered, funded, and equipped by the Iranian regime to sustain prolonged combat operations.
Engineers and ground troops continue conducting active clearance sweeps to neutralize remaining explosives and permanently dismantle the underground facilities. Senior defense officials indicated that forces plan to transition to fixed defensive positions once current operational assessments are concluded.
Spokespersons stressed that neutralizing the ridge has effectively eliminated Hezbollah’s capacity to launch short-range rockets or cross-border strikes from the high ground against Israeli communities. While reiterating a formal commitment to existing regional ceasefire protocols, military leadership issued a stern warning that any attempt by opposition forces to launch renewed strikes or regain lost footing will encounter immediate and heavy military force.
Hezbollah officials did not issue an immediate public response regarding the loss of the strategic heights. The tactical takeover forms part of broader operations by Israeli forces to systematically clear designated zones along the southern Lebanese border, with command staff maintaining that actions will persist until all operational infrastructure threatening regional security is fully dismantled.
