ISRAEL PREPARES LEBANON OPERATION: Reports Say IDF Ready To Seize Strategic Ali Taher Ridge

Israel has completed preparations for a military operation targeting the strategic Ali Taher Ridge in southern Lebanon, where Hezbollah operatives are reportedly positioned in an underground complex, and is awaiting approval from Washington to proceed, according to Lebanese media reports.

A senior security official told Al-Joumhouria that messages received by officials in Beirut indicate Israel is at a high level of readiness for an operation on the ridge and is waiting for a signal from the United States. Washington informed Lebanese authorities that it would not be able to completely prevent an Israeli operation, but requested that Israel conduct any action in a precise and limited manner, while minimizing civilian harm and avoiding damage to the framework agreement intended to regulate southern Lebanon's situation.

According to the official, Israel views taking control of the ridge as an achievement it needs and is unlikely to abandon. Beirut authorities are monitoring Hezbollah's response and whether the group will escalate to broader confrontation, which could renew fighting and expand damage to villages in southern Lebanon.

Al-Akhbar reported that American officials have not ruled out rapid Israeli operations in southern Lebanon aimed at reaching sensitive Hezbollah sites in the Ali Taher Ridge area. Israel claims a major Hezbollah command center is located there. The siege of the tunnel system continues, with dozens of Hezbollah operatives reportedly remaining underground while Israeli forces work to prevent their escape or resupply.

Lebanese reports cited in Israeli media indicated water supply lines had been cut and that Hezbollah attempted delivering supplies via drones. The ridge has become central to diplomatic negotiations. According to Asharq Al-Awsat, Israel is conditioning continued ceasefire implementation on Hezbollah withdrawing from the ridge and transferring it to the Lebanese Army. A source involved in talks described clearing the ridge as a key condition for continued agreement implementation.

The issue is expected on the agenda during Israel-Lebanon talks in Rome planned for early September. Lebanese officials also believe ground developments are unfolding amid a possible U.S.-Iran agreement, which could directly affect the southern Lebanon campaign.