Israel Claims Control of South Lebanon Hill, Declares End of Consolidation Phase

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated on Friday that the capture of the Ali Taher hill marks the end of the consolidation phase of Israeli control in the security zone of southern Lebanon. He explained that Israeli forces advanced into the area based on intelligence indicating the presence of Hezbollah command and control tunnels.

Gallant elaborated that the operation followed the advance towards what he termed the "anti-armor defense line" and the seizure of the Shaqif heights, positioning Israeli forces on hills overlooking the Galilee region. The decision to target Ali Taher was driven by intelligence about Hezbollah command and control tunnels, which Gallant described as significant to the organization for attacks on Israeli forces and the Galilee, as well as for defending the Nabatieh area.

The operation was conducted under difficult terrain conditions, involving both offensive and defensive actions. Gallant emphasized that securing Ali Taher signifies the conclusion of the consolidation phase in the southern Lebanese security zone. He monitored the operation directly, maintaining communication with ground forces and implementing a media blackout to ensure troop safety.

Gallant described the operation as complex and methodical, resulting in the clearing of tunnels of Hezbollah operatives. He affirmed that the Israeli military will continue to neutralize tunnels and prepare tactically to control the hills and prevent redeployment in the area. These statements follow the Israeli military's announcement on Thursday of completing the "clearing" and achieving "operational control" of the Ali Taher area.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed these sentiments, announcing the "clearing" of the strategic Ali Taher area, where he claimed weapons and computers were found and several Hezbollah operatives were killed. Netanyahu asserted that Ali Taher no longer poses a threat to Israel.

Both Gallant and Netanyahu stressed that Israel will not withdraw from the security zone until Hezbollah is disarmed throughout Lebanon and threats to the Galilee are removed. Gallant views the Ali Taher capture as a crucial step toward this objective. The Israeli leadership's stance indicates a commitment to maintaining presence in the security zone, linking any future withdrawal to the fulfillment of these conditions.

These developments occur amidst Israeli preparations for potential escalation in the northern region. Israeli Channel 12 reported on Thursday that the southern Lebanon activities could lead to escalation, though the probability was assessed as low. The Israeli military maintains a high level of readiness and coordinates closely with the United States.