“Lebanon Debate”
In light of the escalation of attacks on the south, the Ali al-Taher Heights returned to the forefront of field developments, after the Israeli Broadcasting Authority “Kan” reported, “that the senior security leadership in Israel finally discussed the issue of continuing to control it or handing it over to the Lebanese army.” This comes in conjunction with the Israeli army’s announcement, this Wednesday morning, that “Hezbollah launched two bomb-laden drones towards its forces in the security zone,” claiming that the raids it launched on targets belonging to the party came in response to that, after a night that witnessed the targeting of Qantara in the Marjayoun district with 5 successive raids, in addition to a series of raids that targeted Ali Al-Taher Heights, Doha Kafr Rumman in the Nabatieh district, and Wadi Al-Saluki in the Bint Jbeil district.
In a reading of the field scene, the military expert, retired Brigadier General Marcel Balukji, said in an interview with “Lebanon Debate” that “the Israeli military operation in the Ali Al-Taher Heights has become almost decided, but the date for its implementation has not yet been decided, as it is linked to Israeli calculations and the interests of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.”
Balukji said: “Netanyahu does not see that his interest lies in implementing the operation now, because he will not be able to invest in it at this time, and therefore he may intend to delay it a little.”
He considered that “the Israeli escalation against Lebanon will not develop, at the current stage, into a wide confrontation, but rather will remain within controlled limits,” noting that “the Israeli timing for carrying out an operation in Ali Al-Taher Heights is not appropriate now, but it may become so after a short period.”
He added: “The Ali Al-Taher operation will inevitably happen, but its timing is determined by Israel.” And most likely “It will not be implemented now, but rather after a period that may extend to about 20 days.”
Balukji pointed out that “field heat in the south is not new, as the region is constantly witnessing exchanged strikes and bombardments,” warning that “Israeli forces may advance later, in light of the military crowds that have gathered in more than one location.”
As for the political level, he saw that “the field escalation is being used as a tool to pressure the Lebanese state, with the aim of pushing it to make steps or concessions that can be announced during the Rome negotiations expected on September 15 or 16.”
Balukji stressed that “the Rome negotiations are indispensable,” considering that “the current escalation aims to achieve two goals: the first is to enable Netanyahu to score points in his favor within his electoral calculations, and the second is to help the United States push forward the Lebanese-Israeli negotiations.”
Balukji concluded by saying: “Developments may enter a stage of waiting if nothing new occurs, but any potential field movement will aim to push the parties to the negotiating table, otherwise the situation will remain as it is.”
