Israel Deepens Control in Southern Lebanon, Dismisses Hezbollah Drone Threat
Israel has solidified its operational control over strategic ridges in southern Lebanon, including the Beaufort and Ali Taher ranges, and has no intention of withdrawing without a political settlement. This assertion comes amid extensive engineering operations, including the simultaneous destruction of 15 Hezbollah tunnels. In response to a recent explosive drone attack targeting Israeli forces, the Israeli Air Force launched significant strikes in the Nabatieh region, issuing a clear warning against further attacks.
A security official told N12 that Hezbollah's increasing reliance on drones is a direct consequence of losing control over these vital territories. "Hezbollah understands that the ridge is already under full operational control and that they have nothing to do with it," the official stated, characterizing the group as desperate and viewing drones as a way to bypass Israeli defenses. The official vowed a strong response to any drone launched against Israeli forces.
Israeli forces are currently operating in reinforced capacity in southern Lebanon, completing preparations to dismantle Hezbollah strongholds in the Ali Taher and Beaufort ridges. This meticulous engineering operation, guided by strict Northern Command directives to ensure soldier safety, is expected to continue for several more days. The military reports that clearance operations in underground facilities are complete, with no live militants found, and numerous Hezbollah operatives' bodies discovered within the tunnels. The Lebanese MTV channel reported that over 15 tunnels were detonated simultaneously in an area stretching between the village of Yammour and the Ali Taher ridge.
Following the neutralization of underground infrastructure, the IDF plans to redeploy forces to secure dominant positions. The military's response to the drone violation focused on the Nabatieh area. Before the strikes, the IDF spokesperson in Arabic issued an urgent warning to residents of southern Lebanon, particularly in the village of Deir ez-Zahrani, urging them to evacuate a targeted Hezbollah facility and its surroundings due to the blatant breach of the ceasefire.
In addition to the targeted strike, the Air Force attacked several other locations, including a residential building in Nabatieh used by Hezbollah operatives, with the resulting explosions audible in Israeli border communities. Other targets included facilities in Nabatieh al-Fawqa and Ersalim, and a building and vehicle in the village of Rmeineh, where Lebanese reports claim 11 people were killed and five wounded. The strikes caused widespread panic and displacement among the local population.
Lebanese political sources expressed grave concern over the escalation, suggesting Israel is initiating a new phase to expand its security zone. They warned that these actions exceed mere ceasefire violations and could impact future negotiations. Beirut plans urgent diplomatic meetings to pressure the international community to halt Israeli actions, citing uncertainty about the full scope of Israel's operational plan.
