IDF Traps Iranian Officers and Militants in Underground Network in Lebanon's Ali Taher Ridge

The battle for control over the Ali Taher ridge in Lebanon is expected to be decisive for the outcome of a potential Third Lebanon War and the effort to disarm Hezbollah. Dozens of militants and Iranian advisors, mostly Revolutionary Guards officers, are trapped in a vast underground system in the Badr area, which dominates the Nabatiyeh plateau and key strategic routes. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF), through units from Division 36, Egoz, and Yahalom, have taken control of the outskirts of the area, catching Hezbollah unprepared.

Ynet correspondent Ron Ben Yishi reports that the significant presence of Iranian officers underground forces the IDF to proceed cautiously, as heavy fighting in the tunnels could trigger a broader escalation and reignite the front against Iran and the Gulf states. Consequently, all parties maintain a low media profile and conduct secret diplomatic negotiations mediated by the United States. Lebanon demands that the Lebanese Army take control of and demilitarize the ridge, while Hezbollah seeks a deal allowing its fighters to withdraw with their weapons without humiliation.

Meanwhile, Israeli security agencies have noted a recent increase in Hezbollah's attempts to smuggle weapons across the Syria-Lebanon border as part of its efforts to rebuild its capabilities. According to a security source speaking to Channel 12 News, Iran, through the Revolutionary Guards' Quds Force, is behind these smuggling operations. Despite recent interceptions and seizures of arms shipments, including earlier this month, officials estimate that the actual volume of smuggling is much higher, with many shipments going undetected. The source added that Hezbollah is exploiting the ceasefire period to strengthen itself and has intensified smuggling efforts from Syria to Lebanon, with many shipments successfully evading detection.