Why Ali al-Taher ridge is emerging as an Israel-Hezbollah flashpoint

BEIRUT — The strategic Ali al-Taher ridge in southern Lebanon has emerged as a major flashpoint in the conflict between Israel and Lebanese Hezbollah, as Israeli forces intensify airstrikes and ground operations around the area, which is controlled by the Iranian-backed group. The Israeli military launched a series of airstrikes around the city of Nabatieh, near Ali al-Taher, on Wednesday, in response to what it says were two drones fired by Hezbollah from the ridge toward Israeli forces operating in the area. According to the Israeli military, one of the drones was downed with no casualties reported among Israeli forces. Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reported that one person was killed in Israeli shelling and airstrikes on Nabatieh al-Fawqa, Arab Salim and the Ali al-Taher ridge on Wednesday. Strategic location You're reading a free AL-MONITOR Original Want more like this? AL-MONITOR All-Access gives you unlimited access to all our journalism, the full Daily Briefing, exclusive interviews, premium newsletters, and live events — for less than $2/week. Email Address See Offers Terms and Privacy