An Israeli security analyst argued that Hezbollah is testing Israel's deterrence and that the measured response missed an opportunity to eliminate dozens of terrorists in tunnels on the Ali al-Taher ridge, in response to an explosive drone launched at IDF forces during the ceasefire. The analyst warned that Hezbollah will not stop and next time Israel may pay a heavy price.
An Israeli security analyst has argued that Hezbollah is testing Israeli deterrence and that the measured response to an explosive drone launched at IDF forces during the ceasefire missed a critical opportunity to eliminate dozens of terrorists hiding in tunnels beneath the Ali al-Taher ridge in southern Lebanon. The analyst warned that Hezbollah will not stop and that next time Israel may pay a heavy price.
The analyst's critique comes as the IDF has already taken significant action against Hezbollah's underground infrastructure. As The Zioneer reported on July 30, Israeli officials discussed the option of blowing up tunnels under the Ali al-Taher ridge in response to a Hezbollah drone strike on an IDF D9. The IDF subsequently destroyed a massive Hezbollah tunnel network under the Beaufort ridge using 700 tons of explosives, a direct response to a Hezbollah drone strike on an IDF engineering vehicle, as confirmed by Prime Minister Netanyahu and the IDF Spokesperson on Friday. The Beaufort network was described as a multi-level command center funded by Iran, intended for an invasion of Galilee communities.
The Ali al-Taher ridge has been a focal point of clashes since June. The Zioneer reported that the IDF eliminated Hezbollah operatives there in late June, while Hezbollah claimed attacks on Israeli tanks in the area in mid-June. Hezbollah has repeatedly warned of "proportionate response" to Israeli ceasefire violations, framing the ongoing tensions as a test of the fragile ceasefire.
The analyst's remarks are an opinion and do not represent an official Israeli position. The Israeli government has not publicly confirmed or denied the existence of such discussions regarding the Ali al-Taher tunnels, and it remains unclear whether further action will be taken at that ridge.
12 developments
- DevelopingIsrael discusses response to Hezbollah drone strike on IDF D9; option to blow up tunnels under Ali al-Taher ridge raised
- DevelopingAnalyst: Hezbollah emboldened by Iran to breach deterrence equation ahead of US deal
- DevelopingIsrael assesses Hezbollah will test ceasefire with attacks before US-Iran deal signing
- StrongAnalyst warns renewed IDF push at Ali al-Taher ridge tonight amid strategic Hezbollah base
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