Hezbollah Faces Image Damage After Israeli Operation in South Lebanon

Hezbollah is downplaying Israel's announcement of clearing the Ali Taher ridge in southern Lebanon, with the Israeli media inflating the event into a major achievement, according to Hezbollah MP Ihab Hamadeh. He stated that even if the Israeli claim is true, it is not a disaster. However, a Lebanese political source opposing Hezbollah told Kan News that the organization is faltering on the issue because losing Ali Taher is a significant blow. Beyond the loss of military infrastructure, it damages Hezbollah's image internally as the protector of Lebanon, a claim now exposed as false.

Hezbollah also attempted to minimize the significance of Lebanese prisoners released by Israel, asserting it does not compensate for ongoing Israeli attacks. The opposing Lebanese political source noted that Hezbollah is embarrassed because these individuals were arrested due to the organization, and now the state is securing their release, which diminishes Hezbollah's influence.

Kan News reported that the Israeli military is anticipating sensitive days on the northern front following the completion of the clearing of two Hezbollah underground tunnels on the Ali Taher ridge. Israeli forces have gained operational control of the ridge, both above and below ground, though efforts to neutralize and destroy the tunnels are ongoing. Israel is prepared for potential responses from Hezbollah and possibly Iran.

Earlier reports indicated that a Hezbollah representative in the Lebanese parliament acknowledged being in a crisis. The Israeli military stated its strikes in Lebanon were a response to a Hezbollah drone launch.