IDF Captures Most of Ali Tahar Ridge in Southern Lebanon Amid Political Sensitivities

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have captured and now control most of the Ali Tahar ridge in southern Lebanon, according to official security sources. The ridge, located between the Litani River and the Nabatieh Plateau, is a strategically critical area for Hezbollah, as described by the head of Israeli Military Intelligence, Major General Shlomi Binder. The area includes the Bofor ridge opposite Metula, which was seized by the IDF's 36th Division.

Hezbollah and Iranian forces have invested heavily over the past two decades in extensive underground systems, advanced military positions, command centers, and weapons storage in the area, some built on former Israeli outposts abandoned in 2000. These infrastructures were designed to support attacks on northern Israel and to counter potential Israeli ground operations into Lebanon.

Despite concerns about international criticism, particularly from the United States, Defense Minister Israel Katz and Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir pushed to capture both the upper and lower parts of the ridge. Following the destruction of Bofor’s underground facilities by IDF engineers using hundreds of tons of explosives, the lower part of the ridge was also taken, completing the sensitive operation.

Hezbollah fighters remain trapped underground, with some reportedly perishing while others survive on stored supplies or attempt to receive food from outside. Elite IDF units are preventing any resupply efforts. Due to the political sensitivity and ongoing negotiations between Israel and Lebanon, a tactical freeze has been imposed, maintaining a high alert status while awaiting developments such as surrender, combat, or disruption of Hezbollah’s efforts.

Warnings from the Lebanese government and Iranian attempts to influence the US during negotiations underscore the operation’s delicate geopolitical context. The IDF continues to monitor the situation closely as it balances military objectives with diplomatic considerations.