Claimed Israeli capture of Lebanese ridge reshapes negotiation dynamics
Israel's continued strikes challenge Lebanon's push for an elusive peace agreement and stability.
Beirut, Lebanon – On Friday, Israel claimed to have established operational control over the Ali al-Taher ridge in southern Lebanon, a development in its fight against Hezbollah that analysts believe could also give Israel greater leverage in negotiations with the Lebanese government planned for later this month.
The Israeli operation to seize the ridge has been ongoing for weeks – and what it says are Hezbollah tunnels underneath – with frequent drone and air strikes by the Israeli military. Analysts told Al Jazeera that the strategically important high ground is significant for the Israelis and Hezbollah because it overlooks a number of nearby regions, including the southern city of Nabatieh.
As well as its claims about a network of Hezbollah tunnels, Israel also says the Iranian-backed Lebanese group had underground operations rooms, weapons stores and living quarters for fighters. Despite Israel’s assertion that it has control over the ridge, military operations and attacks are reportedly ongoing.
Israel now says the framework agreement is failing, even if the Lebanese government doesn’t want to give up on it just yet.