Hezbollah Under Fire in Lebanon After IDF Seizes Strategic Ridge

The Israeli military's capture of the strategic Ali al-Taher ridge in southern Lebanon is sparking significant internal criticism of Hezbollah within Lebanon, in addition to Israeli condemnation. Hezbollah has remained largely silent on the loss of the key site, instead attempting to project strength by launching explosive drones at IDF forces, though without altering the operational dynamics. The organization's silence regarding the ridge, a site it had insisted on controlling rather than ceding to the Lebanese army, has raised questions and fueled criticism about its leadership and the cost to southern Lebanese residents.

According to a report in the Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat, Hezbollah's withdrawal from the ridge surprised Lebanese political circles and facilitated the IDF's takeover. A source familiar with the situation suggested that such a move was unlikely without approval from Iranian leadership, noting that Iran's threat to help Hezbollah defend the ridge did not materialize into action, ultimately allowing the organization to withdraw.

Criticism has extended beyond media commentary. Sunni Lebanese parliament member Fouad Makhzoumi sharply criticized Hezbollah, questioning the effectiveness of its weapons. "What has Hezbollah's weapon achieved?" he asked. "It prevented the army from entering its own territory, but failed to prevent its occupation by Israel."