Report in Lebanon: Israel is preparing to occupy Ali Taher and is waiting for approval from the USA

The senior security official claimed that Washington made it clear to the Lebanese leadership that it would not be able to prevent Israel from acting completely. However, according to the same source, the Americans requested that if an operation were to be carried out, it would be as limited and precise as possible, while minimizing the destruction and harm to civilians, so as not to lead to the collapse of the framework of understanding between Israel and Lebanon. The source further estimated that Israel considers the occupation of the ridge a military achievement that it does not intend to give up, and that the main question from Beirut’s point of view is how Hezbollah will respond.

Preparations for the campaign on the ridge

Extensive reports on Ali Taher were also published this morning in the “Nadaa Al Watan” newspaper. According to military sources quoted in the newspaper, Israel adopts a policy of gradual progress in the region and uses robotic means to establish positions and reduce the risk to soldiers. The newspaper quoted an Israeli report according to which IDF forces already control large parts of the ridge, but were ordered to stop the tactical advance at this stage due to the political sensitivity and the ongoing negotiations between Jerusalem and Beirut.

The ridge, located north of Litani, rises to a height of about 600 meters and overlooks Nabatiya and its surroundings. According to “Nadaa Al Watan”, in the Lebanese security system they estimate that the importance of the area is not only topographical. The report claimed that under the ridge there is a system of tunnels and facilities that have been used by Hezbollah for years, and that Israeli activity is now focused on locating openings, underground infrastructure and command rooms.

However, Lebanese military sources quoted in the newspaper claimed that the Israeli description of the Ali Tahr Ridge as Hezbollah’s most important command center is exaggerated, and that the organization has larger infrastructures in other areas of southern Lebanon. The same sources even claimed that the compound is still connected to supply routes and that dozens of activists are staying there. These reports have no independent confirmation at this stage.

The dispute with Washington