Israeli security sources revealed that the Israeli army now controls most of the Ali al-Taher Heights in southern Lebanon, after a military operation carried out in stages that also included the Shaqif area, before a decision was taken to freeze the situation on the ground at its current level due to the political sensitivity associated with the negotiations between Beirut and Tel Aviv and regional and international pressures.
According to a report by journalist Amir Boukhbout on the “Walla” website, the Israeli army “occupied the Ali Al-Taher Heights and controls most of them,” while it was decided at this stage to stop the tactical advance and not expand the operation, against the backdrop of political considerations.
The report indicated that the Ali Al-Tahir Heights chain in southern Lebanon separates the Litani River from the Nabatieh Plateau, and its highest points reach the Shaqif Heights opposite Metulla.
During one of the sensitive security assessments between the Israeli army and the political level, the head of the Military Intelligence Division, Major General Shlomi Binder, described the area as “a vital space for Hezbollah,” before a discussion took place within the security establishment about whether the heights should be controlled, and to what extent.
According to the report, Iran and Hezbollah invested significant resources in the region over a period of about 20 years, and part of the existing structure there was based on military sites and facilities left by the Israeli army after its withdrawal from Lebanon in 2000.
The report claimed that Iranian engineers and Lebanese contractors working for the party had established extensive and independent underground networks, in addition to advanced military sites designed for offensive action through direct and indirect fire, as well as command and control centers, weapons depots, accommodation rooms, and corridors for exiting ground operations, with the ability to withstand Israeli air attacks.
According to the Israeli narrative, part of these structures was allocated to serve two basic goals: carrying out incursions into the Galilee, and preparing to confront any future ground maneuver of the Israeli army deep into Lebanon.
The report indicated that Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz and Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir recommended and pushed for control of the entire heights, in its upper and lower parts, despite fear of international criticism, primarily possible objections from the United States.
On the other hand, the report said that the Lebanese government sent warnings and messages about the dangers of escalation, while Iran, in turn, tried to convey clear messages to Washington within the framework of the negotiations, in conjunction with its attempt to impose an equation against Israel as long as Israeli army soldiers remained in parts of the highlands, with the threat of retaliation.
According to security sources, Zamir made careful adjustments to the Northern Command’s operational plans, taking into account the complex terrain, regional political pressures, and field developments, before the forces began implementing the plan in stages.
The report indicated that the 36th Division took control of the Shaqif area and underground facilities, before engineering units worked to destroy infrastructure there using hundreds of tons of explosive materials.
After the destruction of these facilities, the Israeli Chief of Staff gave the green light to move to the next stages, according to the report, to also control the lower part of the heights, in what the sources considered a completion of the sensitive military operation.
According to estimates by sources in the Israeli security establishment, a number of Hezbollah members died inside the underground facilities, while others are still alive relying on a stock of food supplies that were stored before the Israeli army took control of the heights.
The report added that some of them are trying to obtain food supplies from the surrounding area.
According to the information contained therein, Israeli special forces deployed in the region are working to thwart any attempt to deliver supplies to the besieged people.
The report quoted a senior Israeli security official as estimating that Hezbollah members underground do not intend to surrender, and that some of them may remain in the tunnels, despite the difficult conditions, until they die.
The official added that anyone who comes out raising the white flag will remain alive and will be transferred to Israel for investigation.
At this stage, and due to the political sensitivity in the relationship with the United States and the continuation of negotiations between Beirut and Tel Aviv, a decision was taken to freeze the status quo for the tactical maneuver, while continuing to cordon off the areas within which Israel says the party members are besieged, and to remain on high alert in anticipation of any of 3 scenarios: surrender, the outbreak of a confrontation, or an attempt to bring supplies to the besieged members.
Thus, the Israeli report places the Ali Al-Taher operation in a stage of field freeze, not withdrawal, after security sources say that control over most of the heights has been achieved, while the next step is linked to what the negotiations and political pressures surrounding the southern front will lead to.
