The IDF is preparing to detonate the Hezbollah tunnel network beneath the Ali Taher ridge in southern Lebanon, according to reports. The military has also raised its readiness level as it prepares for potential escalation on the northern front.
The IDF is preparing to detonate Hezbollah's extensive tunnel network beneath the Ali Taher ridge in southern Lebanon, according to a report. The military has also raised its alert level as it braces for potential escalation on the northern front. The development comes less than 24 hours after Prime Minister Netanyahu confirmed that Israeli forces were actively operating on the ridge Wednesday evening, and as the broader operation there was described as nearing its conclusion.
The Zioneer reported Wednesday at 21:25 Jerusalem that the IDF had completed operational readiness for the tunnel operation at the ridge, with a decision on timing nearing. Simultaneously, the operation was described as drawing to a close amid fears of an Iranian retaliatory strike. Netanyahu said at the time that forces were "handling the Ali Taher ridge now," citing this as one of the factors for the heightened alert across Israel. The capture of the tunnel network by IDF commando and Maglan forces was first reported on August 19, followed by reports of a tightened siege on Hezbollah operatives inside, including the cutting of water and supply lines. The new report signals a shift from containment to active demolition of the underground complex.
The ridge has been a focal point of Israeli operations in recent months, described as a strategic high ground overlooking Nabatieh. Hezbollah has repeatedly denied IDF control over the ridge and claimed to have confronted Israeli advances, as reported by The Zioneer on June 19 and June 20. The option to blow up the tunnels had been raised in Israeli discussions as early as July 30 in response to a Hezbollah drone violation. The prospect of Iranian retaliation has factored into Israeli planning, with analysts warning of possible activation of Hezbollah, as The Zioneer reported on July 18 and July 15.
Details of the planned demolition, including the timeline and scope, remain unconfirmed. The report is based on a single source, and the IDF has not issued an official statement on the operation. It also remains unclear whether Iranian or Hezbollah responses could alter or accelerate the timeline.
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