Israel declares full control of southern Lebanon's security zone after seizing Ali al-Taher ridge

Key points

• Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz announced on Friday that Israeli forces have driven Hezbollah fighters from the Ali al-Taher ridge, located 15km from the border and 600 metres above sea level.
• The Israeli military stated that the ridge's underground infrastructure, including command centers, weapons storage, and living quarters, was dismantled, describing it as a network built over two decades with Iranian funding.
• Katz declared the capture as the completion of Israel's control over the 'security zone' in southern Lebanon, which spans nearly 6% of Lebanese territory, despite a ceasefire agreed in June.
• Hezbollah has not formally confirmed the loss of the ridge, with its spokesman previously denying the presence of Iranian personnel and vowing to defend the position as much as possible.
• Analysts note that the operation may serve as an electoral ploy for Netanyahu, who faces crucial elections later in 2026, and that Iran's lack of response may frustrate Israeli leadership.

Background

The Ali al-Taher ridge has been a flashpoint in the Israel-Hezbollah conflict since October 2023, with Israel escalating operations in March 2026 following the US-Israeli war on Iran. A ceasefire was agreed in June 2026, but fighting continued at a lower intensity, focused on the ridge. Prior to the latest operation, Israel had expanded its 'security zone' to include the ridge, and rights groups had accused Israel of using white phosphorus in southern Lebanon, potentially constituting a war crime.

How outlets are covering it

Al Jazeera emphasizes the strategic and political implications of the capture, noting that Katz framed it as a step toward disarming Hezbollah and that the lack of a response from Iran may frustrate Netanyahu. France 24 focuses on the military details, highlighting the dismantling of the tunnel network and the absence of a Hezbollah response, while Le Monde frames the event as an electoral ploy by Netanyahu, with Hezbollah downplaying the Israeli claim. All sources agree on the Israeli claim of control but differ on the significance and the reaction from Hezbollah and Iran.

Why it matters

The capture of the Ali al-Taher ridge marks a significant shift in the Israel-Hezbollah conflict, potentially altering the balance of power in southern Lebanon. It raises questions about the durability of the June ceasefire and the future of the 'security zone' occupation. The event also has political implications for Netanyahu, who faces elections in 2026, and for Iran, which has warned the US of a forceful response if Israeli attacks continue. The lack of a Hezbollah response may indicate a shift in decision-making power to Iran, which seeks to keep the situation quiet.

What to watch

The next steps will depend on Hezbollah's and Iran's responses to the Israeli claim. If Iran does not respond, it may frustrate Netanyahu, who has invested much of his electoral stock in finishing the war with Iran. If Iran does respond, it could escalate the conflict and potentially postpone Israeli elections. The future of the 'security zone' and the ceasefire will also depend on diplomatic efforts, with US envoys signaling willingness to talk with Hezbollah if it disarms.