IDF Completes Clearing South Lebanon Ridge, Prepares for 'Destruction Phase'

The Israeli military has completed clearing the strategic Ali Taher ridge in southern Lebanon, with commandos and the Yahalom unit securing the area. The IDF is now determined to eliminate remaining terror infrastructure in the region and is planning the most effective way to execute this "destruction phase" in the coming days. Hezbollah leadership is reportedly concerned by these actions and is attempting to involve Iran in creating a new deterrence equation against Israel to prevent the destruction of its assets.

The Israeli security establishment is closely monitoring the reaction from Washington and President Trump, hoping not to be forced to halt the operation. Following the completion of the operation, the IDF is expected to withdraw to defensive lines, with forces already preparing for this redeployment. The primary objective is to establish a fortified defense line ahead of the holiday season and maintain the ceasefire agreement with Lebanon, although the IDF acknowledges that progress on the ground is not yet satisfactory.

The escalation in southern Lebanon continues as Hezbollah launched two explosive drones towards IDF forces on the ridge. One drone was intercepted, and no Israeli casualties were reported. The IDF deemed this a blatant violation of the ceasefire and responded with extensive airstrikes in the Nabatieh area and southern Lebanon, targeting weapons depots and military structures. An active Hezbollah command center, previously housed in a hospital and used for terror planning, observation, and artillery fire, was also struck.

Prior to the strikes, evacuation warnings were issued to residents of the village of Arab Salim, urging them to stay clear of the targeted facility. The IDF stated it would continue to operate forcefully in the ridge area and southern Lebanon to remove threats and prevent Hezbollah from harming soldiers or civilians, while remaining committed to the ceasefire. Further strikes occurred overnight, with an evacuation alert issued in Arabic to residents of Dir Az-Zahrani near Nabatieh.

Lebanese reports indicate a vehicle was attacked in the village of Rumaan, along with strikes in Nabatieh and a three-story building. Al-Mayadeen reported that nine people were killed in one strike in Rumaan, and two more died from an attack on a vehicle, with additional injuries reported. The tension surrounding the Ali Taher ridge is expected to persist until a solution for its destruction is finalized, with the IDF aiming to complete the operation without triggering wider regional implications.