IDF Strikes Armed Militant Cell in Southern Lebanon After Spotting Threat Near Troops

The IDF said Wednesday evening that troops identified an armed militant cell operating near Israeli forces in southern Lebanon, on the Ali al-Tahir ridge. After a rapid operational response, the troops struck the militants north of the security zone in order to remove an immediate threat.

The military said the strike was part of an ongoing effort to eliminate threats to Israeli forces and to Israeli civilians. A spokesman said the IDF had spotted “an armed terrorist cell” acting close to forces operating in the security area. The IDF added, “We will not allow Hezbollah to harm our civilians.”

The strike comes amid growing tensions in southern Lebanon, where the IDF has been operating against Hezbollah infrastructure. In recent days, Israeli forces have been active on Ali Tahrer ridge, south of Nabatieh, at a site where Hezbollah reportedly built an underground fortified headquarters over 20 years. Security assessments say the underground compound may be used to store Iranian-made ballistic missiles. Israeli security officials are considering allowing the Lebanese army to seize the site, which would test its willingness and ability to act openly against Hezbollah.

The attack also comes as the political and security leadership remains divided over the ceasefire in Lebanon. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said troops in southern Lebanon have “full freedom of action to thwart any threat,” and that Israel would remain in the security zone “as long as necessary.” Former prime minister Naftali Bennett accused Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz of misleading the public about troop freedom of action, saying, “The truth is that our boys’ hands in Lebanon are tied.” National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir also condemned restraint, saying there should be “no more flimsy ceasefire.”

The fighting in southern Lebanon has taken a heavy toll. Four soldiers were killed over the weekend in clashes with Hezbollah militants, including Lt. Col. Dor Gedalia Ben Shimhon, 32, commander of Battalion 52 in the Iron Tracks division, from Beit Hashita. The other three were Sgt. Yoav Klein of Herzliya, Sgt. Liav Kababia of Hod HaSharon, and Staff Sgt. Nir Ben Ari of Kerem Maharal. The IDF said it will continue acting against immediate threats and will not allow Hezbollah to harm Israeli civilians or its forces.