Ali al‑Taher Ridge Emerges as Key Flashpoint in Israel‑Hezbollah Conflict

By Nayera Abdallah

BEIRUT, September 3 (Reuters) – The Ali al‑Taher ridge in southern Lebanon, named for a Shiʿite scholar whose shrine occupies its summit, has become one of the most contested sites in the Israel‑Hezbollah conflict.

Although the ridge is modest in size, its commanding view of southern Lebanon and the underground facilities believed to be constructed by Hezbollah have placed it at the heart of the Israel‑Hezbollah struggle.

WHERE IS IT?

Situated roughly 15 km (10 mi) from the Israeli border, the ridge offers a sweeping vista of southeastern Lebanon and was held Israel for a 22‑year occupation of southern Lebanon that concluded in 2000.

Since the war began on March 2, Israeli forces have advanced deep into southern Lebanon, capturing key hilltops such as the historic Beaufort Castle on the road to Ali al‑Taher.

In June, Israel’s military identified the ridge as a primary operational focus and incorporated it into a map of an expanded, self‑declared buffer zone where its troops are active.

The ridge now functions as a de facto dividing line between the portion of Lebanese territory occupied by Israeli troops to the south and the northern towns that have suffered extensive Israeli air bombardment, including Nabatieh.

WHY IS IT STRATEGIC?

Security sources told Reuters in July that Hezbollah has constructed an underground command centre and weapons caches within the ridge. At 600 m above sea level, it provides Hezbollah with a tactical advantage for launching short‑range missiles and drones toward northern Israel, analysts say.

Ali al‑Taher links southern Lebanese border zones to the hilly Iqlim al‑Tuffah area further north, which has long functioned as a principal logistical and operational hub for Hezbollah, according to Lebanese security sources.

The Israeli air force has intensified its strikes on the ridge in recent months.

In June, an unnamed Israeli military official told Reuters that Hezbollah fighters were trapped underground without food or water. The Times of Israel reported on June 20 that a military investigation indicated one Israeli soldier was killed and 13 wounded during attempts to seize a major underground Hezbollah facility beneath the ridge.

Hezbollah stated that Israel is attempting to advance but its fighters retain full control of the area and remain fully prepared to confront any enemy advance or infiltration.

In July, the Israeli military declared it would not permit Hezbollah terrorists to emerge from the underground infrastructure or operate in the area, posing a threat to Israeli soldiers.

WHAT IS THE POLITICAL SIGNIFICANCE?

Ali al‑Taher is located near Zawtar Al Gharbiyeh, a town from which Israeli forces withdrew in July under a U.S.-brokered roadmap that envisioned a gradual Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon contingent on Lebanese troops disarming Hezbollah.

However, Hezbollah’s refusal to surrender its weapons and Israel’s insistence that it will not withdraw until the group disarms have stalled the plan.

With Israeli elections scheduled for October, seizing Ali al‑Taher could become an appealing victory for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.

‘Before the elections, Israel needs a significant win in an area long regarded as a Hezbollah stronghold,’ said Andrea Tenenti, a strategic communications expert and former UNIFIL spokesperson.

Nevertheless, it may opt for a slow siege to minimize Israeli troop casualties, according to Hassan Jouni, a Lebanese analyst and retired army general.

‘Israel is hesitant to storm Ali al‑Taher for fear of casualties, particularly during this sensitive pre‑election period,’ Jouni told Reuters.

The deadlock in Lebanon reflects the broader Middle East impasse, as U.S.–Iran negotiations remain stalled with no breakthrough in sight.

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