1 day ago
Israel and Hezbollah Battle Over Strategic Hill After Ceasefire
Israel and Hezbollah agreed to a ceasefire, but they are still fighting around one important hill in Lebanon.
The hill is called Ali Taher Hill and overlooks roads and villages near Nabatiyeh.
Israel says the hill contains tunnels and underground rooms used by Hezbollah.
Israel announced that its forces had taken control of the hill.
However, a photographer nearby did not see Israeli soldiers there, so the extent of that control is unclear.
Hezbollah does not want to give the hill to the Lebanese army because it fears Israel would take it anyway.
Lebanon says its army is ready to take over the area.
More fighting could make the wider situation in Lebanon worse and affect future negotiations.
Israel and Hezbollah continue exchanging fire around Ali Taher Hill in southern Lebanon despite a ceasefire.
Israel said it had taken operational control of the hill and tunnels beneath it, though independent observations found no visible Israeli presence.
Hezbollah rejected transferring the hill to the Lebanese army, fearing Israel would seize it and demand additional territory.
The hill overlooks villages and roads near Nabatiyeh and contains tunnels, command centers and weapons facilities that Israel attributes to Hezbollah.
Lebanese and Israeli officials are expected to resume negotiations in Rome, while indirect contacts between the United States and Hezbollah reportedly continue.
- Who
- Israel, Hezbollah, Lebanon's government and army, and mediators including the United States are involved.
- What
- Israel and Hezbollah are battling over control of Ali Taher Hill despite a ceasefire.
- Where
- Ali Taher Hill, north of the Litani River near Nabatiyeh in southern Lebanon.
- When
- The latest reported escalation occurred more than two months after the ceasefire, with Israel announcing operational control on Thursday night.
- Why
- The hill has strategic views over villages and roads, affects Hezbollah's local supply lines, and contains infrastructure that Israel says belongs to Hezbollah.
Hezbollah and Lebanese Position
Israeli Position
Control of Ali Taher Hill
Hezbollah and Lebanese Position
Hezbollah rejected transferring the hill to the Lebanese army because it fears Israel would seize control and seek additional territory. Lebanese officials say the army is ready to take over.
Israeli Position
Israel says it has taken operational control of the hill and is neutralizing Hezbollah's underground infrastructure there.
Importance of the Hill
Hezbollah and Lebanese Position
Hezbollah officials acknowledge the hill is important but say losing it would not mean the end of the group.
Israeli Position
Israel and conflict researcher Nasser Khdour describe control of the area as a military setback for Hezbollah that could improve Israel's position in negotiations.
Responsibility for Continued Fighting
Hezbollah and Lebanese Position
Lebanese Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri accused Israel of blocking the Lebanese army for political reasons. Hezbollah has said its fighters repelled Israeli attempts to take the hill.
Israeli Position
Israel says its strikes responded to Hezbollah drone attacks, including attacks that seriously wounded Israeli soldiers.
Key facts
- Location
- Ali Taher Hill near Nabatiyeh, southern Lebanon
- Ceasefire
- Fighting had stopped in much of Lebanon, but clashes continued around the hill
- Israeli claim
- Israel said it had taken operational control of the hill and underground tunnels
- Hezbollah position
- Hezbollah rejected handing the hill to the Lebanese army
- Strategic value
- The hill overlooks villages and roads leading to Nabatiyeh and affects Hezbollah's presence and supply lines
- Reported August casualties
- Israeli airstrikes in mid-August killed 11 people, including women and children; later strikes killed one and wounded six
- Upcoming diplomacy
- Lebanese and Israeli officials are scheduled to meet in Rome later this month
Quotes
Mahmoud Qamati
Hezbollah official who discussed the hill’s significance with a Lebanese podcaster.
“Israeli control of the area is an operational and military setback for Hezbollah”
CNBC TV 18
“Ali Taher is important, but if it is lost it does not mean the end of Hezbollah”
CNBC TV 18
Sources
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