Months after ceasefire, Israel and Hezbollah battle over a strategic hill in Lebanon
BEIRUT (AP) — Since a ceasefire went into effect between Israel and Hezbollah more than two months ago, fighting has stopped in much of Lebanon, but not on a strategic hill overlooking…
Since a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah took effect over two months ago, conflict has largely ceased in Lebanon, except for a strategic hill known as Ali Taher. This hill, overlooking a part of a central city, has been under continuous Israeli shelling and airstrikes in recent weeks. Hezbollah, an Iran-supported militant group, has repeatedly targeted Israeli forces in the area using drones.
The United States, mediating talks between Lebanon and Israel, had hoped Hezbollah would cede the hill to the Lebanese army as part of a larger strategy to disarm Hezbollah and dismantle its infrastructure. However, Hezbollah has refused to do so.
Under a framework agreement signed in June, Israel is set to withdraw from Lebanon once Hezbollah is disarmed. Yet, Hezbollah, which wasn't part of the negotiations, has rejected disarmament calls in areas north of the Litani River, where Ali Taher is situated. A full-scale battle over this hill near Nabatiyeh could lead to widespread fighting across Lebanon, complicating peace efforts in the region.
In a recent development, on Thursday night, Israel's military claimed operational control of Ali Taher and the network of tunnels beneath it used by Hezbollah for sheltering fighters and weapons. The extent of Israel's control remains unclear. Just before Israel made this announcement, its air force was still attacking the hill, according to Lebanese state media. So far, Hezbollah has not commented on Israel's control assertion.
Earlier, Israel had occupied Ali Taher for 18 years before withdrawing from Lebanon in 2000.
Written by urgent.news from Associated Press's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
