Israel Prepares for Potential Multi-Day Fighting in Lebanon Amid Hezbollah Tensions

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are preparing for the possibility of several days of combat in Lebanon, focusing on destroying Hezbollah's terror infrastructure in the Ali Taher and Boufor ridges. The IDF is determined to complete the elimination of these terror sites, although some remain intact. Hezbollah is reportedly concerned about the IDF's operations and is attempting to target Israeli forces in the area. Several dozen Hezbollah militants are believed to be trapped underground in the Ali Taher ridge, with the IDF thwarting attempts by Hezbollah to aid them.

In recent days, Israel has exercised restraint to avoid disrupting ongoing US-mediated negotiations with the Lebanese government. This political consideration led to the rejection of some military actions proposed by the IDF in response to Hezbollah's aggressive moves. Following a serious incident in which three IDF soldiers were wounded near Ali Taher, the IDF launched a broad wave of strikes overnight, described by Lebanese sources as a "belt of fire."

Among those killed was Abu Hassan Alaa, a senior commander in Hezbollah's "Badr" unit, in the Deir Al-Zahrani area. Earlier, Ali Samir Al-Hajj Hassan, a battalion commander in the "Radwan" unit, was killed at his headquarters in Ansar, near Nabatieh. The IDF stated that several other militants involved in planning attacks against Israeli forces were also eliminated.

A US State Department spokesperson told Al Jazeera that Hezbollah is responsible for the Israeli presence in southern Lebanon and is the main obstacle to Lebanon's economic recovery. The spokesperson emphasized that pilot zones are the only practical path to peace in the region.