Israel Claims Control of Hezbollah Stronghold in Southern Lebanon

Israel announced on September 3rd that it had established operational control over the strategic Ali al-Taher mountain range in southern Lebanon, approximately 15 kilometers from the Israeli border and north of the Litani River. The Israeli military (IDF) stated it destroyed two major Hezbollah underground complexes, which had been developed over years with Iranian involvement. According to Israeli intelligence, these facilities housed significant infrastructure, including up to 48 kilometers of tunnels, thousands of rockets, and hundreds of launchers.

While Israel claims operational control, meaning it controls the area and is dismantling the infrastructure, it does not signify complete control of every square meter, and some militants may still be hiding in pockets. Iran had reportedly warned the United States in advance that an Israeli attack on Ali al-Taher could provoke a response from Tehran, especially if Iranian military personnel, including members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), were present in the underground complex. Israel has since taken control of the complex, and Iran has not retaliated, suggesting that no Iranian military personnel were found there.

However, the situation remains active. Hezbollah has already attacked Israeli soldiers in the area with drones, prompting ongoing Israeli responses. The capture of Ali al-Taher extends Israel's operational reach beyond the traditional southern Lebanese front. Hezbollah reportedly refused to hand over the area to the Lebanese army, fearing Israel would still maintain a presence, which ironically led to Israel occupying key positions after Hezbollah withdrew.

Lebanese sources suggest this could be the start of a new system of control, with potential Israeli expansion to other heights north of the Litani River. The Lebanese state appears powerless to intervene, as Hezbollah dictates its own actions, and Beirut cannot compel either Hezbollah or Israel to change their course.