IDF launches operation to capture Ali Taher ridge in southern Lebanon, Lebanese reports say

The IDF has initiated a significant operation to capture the Ali Taher ridge, a dominant high-ground feature in southern Lebanon, according to reports from Lebanese and Israeli media channels early Sunday morning. The activity follows a period of contested control over the ridge, which overlooks the Shiite stronghold of Nabatieh.

Escalation on the Ridge

Reports from the sector describe a "fire belt" of heavy airstrikes and artillery fire concentrated on the ridge starting around 01:00 Jerusalem time. Lebanese sources indicate that Israeli ground forces are engaging in machine-gun fire and close-quarters combat with several dozen Hezbollah operatives believed to be entrenched in the area. The operation appears to be a direct response to recent Hezbollah provocations, including the launch of an explosive drone toward Israeli forces in the sector on Saturday.

Strategic and Intelligence Value

The Ali Taher ridge has been a focal point of IDF operations for months. As The Zioneer reported in August, Israeli security sources previously claimed control over most of the position, yet Hezbollah operatives have reportedly continued to utilize underground networks beneath the ridge. Current reports suggest that intelligence officers from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) may also be present in the area, increasing the strategic importance of the current push.

Operational Context

This development marks a significant escalation in the IDF's efforts to clear Hezbollah's cross-border infrastructure. The ridge provides a commanding view of the surrounding terrain, and its full capture is considered essential for disrupting Hezbollah's regional logistics and removing direct threats to Israeli communities in the Galilee. While the IDF has not yet released an official statement confirming the full scope of the ground maneuver, the intensity of the reported strikes and the involvement of multiple military branches suggest a concerted effort to finalize control over the site.