Israel-Hezbollah clash over Ali al-Taher ridge

The Ali al-Taher ridge in southern Lebanon has become a key battleground in the ongoing Israel-Hezbollah war. The ridge, named after a Shi'ite Muslim scholar, overlooks southeastern Lebanon and is strategically important due to its elevation and location. Hezbollah is believed to have built an underground command center and weapons stores within the ridge, according to Lebanese security sources. Israel has made capturing the ridge a primary operational focus and has struck it heavily with airstrikes. In June, an Israeli military probe reported one soldier killed and 13 wounded during operations to capture an underground Hezbollah facility beneath the ridge. Hezbollah claims it retains full control of the area. The ridge's political significance is heightened by upcoming Israeli elections in October, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government seeking a victory in a Hezbollah stronghold. A U.S.-brokered roadmap for Israeli withdrawal and Hezbollah disarmament has stalled, reflecting the wider deadlock in U.S.-Iran negotiations.