BEIRUT, Sept 5: More than two months after a ceasefire brought an end to much of the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, violence continues around a strategically important hill overlooking the southern Lebanese city of Nabatiyeh.
Ali Taher hill has witnessed repeated Israeli airstrikes and shelling in recent weeks, while Hezbollah has launched drone attacks against Israeli troops operating in the area.
The United States, which is mediating negotiations between Lebanon and Israel, has sought to have the Lebanese army assume control of the hill as part of a broader plan aimed at dismantling Hezbollah’s military infrastructure and securing its disarmament.
Hezbollah, however, has rejected the proposal, saying it fears that transferring control to the Lebanese army could ultimately allow Israeli forces to occupy the position and seek control of additional Lebanese territory.
Lebanon and Israel reached a framework agreement in June under which Israeli forces would withdraw from Lebanese territory as Hezbollah is disarmed. Hezbollah was not part of those negotiations and has opposed demands for it to surrender its weapons and infrastructure north of the Litani River, where Ali Taher is situated.
The dispute has raised fears that a major confrontation over the hill could trigger renewed violence elsewhere in Lebanon and complicate broader diplomatic efforts surrounding the conflict involving Iran.
Israel Announces Operational Control
Israel’s military said Thursday night that it had established “operational control” over Ali Taher and a network of tunnels beneath the hill that it says Hezbollah uses to shelter fighters and store weapons.
The extent of the claimed control remains uncertain. Lebanese state media reported that Israeli aircraft were still striking the area shortly before the Israeli military made its announcement.
Hezbollah has not issued an official response to the Israeli claim.
The hill occupies a commanding position overlooking surrounding villages and important roads leading toward Nabatiyeh. Control of the area could affect Hezbollah’s movement and supply routes in southern Lebanon.
Israel has also said the underground network was built with Iranian support. According to the Israeli military, the complex included command centres, weapons storage facilities, generators, living quarters, showers and a kitchen.
The military said its forces had removed Hezbollah fighters from the area and were continuing efforts to neutralise underground military infrastructure.
Hezbollah lawmaker Ihab Hamadeh questioned Israel’s claim of control, pointing to continued attacks on the hill. An Associated Press photographer who visited nearby Kfar Rumman on Friday also reported seeing no visible Israeli troops on the hill.
Hezbollah Rejects Handover Proposal
The disagreement over Ali Taher has become a major obstacle in efforts to establish Lebanese army control over areas affected by the conflict.
Hezbollah has rejected a Lebanese government proposal to transfer the hill to the national army, arguing that Israel could subsequently take control of the position and use it as a basis for seeking further territorial concessions.
The site also has historical significance. Israeli forces occupied Ali Taher for 18 years before withdrawing from Lebanon in 2000.
The hill, which is topped by a shrine dedicated to a Muslim scholar, lies north of the Litani River. The river has effectively become a dividing line in discussions surrounding Israeli military positions in southern Lebanon.
Violence Intensifies Around Nabatiyeh
Israel has been conducting military operations around Ali Taher since July, according to Nasser Khdour, a Middle East researcher with the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project.
Hezbollah official Mahmoud Qamati said in late August that the group’s fighters were resisting Israeli attempts to capture the position. At the same time, he sought to play down the potential consequences of losing the hill.
“Ali Taher is important, but if it is lost it does not mean the end of Hezbollah,” Qamati said.
The area witnessed some of the deadliest violence since the ceasefire began.
In mid-August, Israel launched a series of airstrikes across southern Lebanon after saying a Hezbollah drone attack on Ali Taher had seriously wounded three Israeli soldiers. The strikes killed 11 people, including women and children, according to Lebanese authorities.
On August 27, Israel carried out another round of airstrikes after its military said Hezbollah had launched two explosive drones at Israeli forces in the area. One person was killed and six others were wounded.
Hezbollah did not claim responsibility for the attacks.
Lebanon Accuses Israel of Blocking Army
Lebanese Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri said in late August that the country’s military was prepared to take control of Ali Taher.
Mitri accused Israel of preventing the deployment, suggesting that domestic political considerations ahead of Israel’s October 27 elections could be influencing its position.
“The problem is not in the Lebanese army’s readiness but in Israel’s stance,” he said.
Lebanese and Israeli officials are expected to hold negotiations in Rome later this month as diplomatic efforts continue to address unresolved issues related to the ceasefire.
Meanwhile, indirect contacts between the United States and Hezbollah appear to be taking place despite the group’s longstanding refusal to engage directly with Washington.
A Lebanese official confirmed that such contacts were under way but declined to provide details.
US Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa has said Washington is prepared to communicate with Hezbollah if the group agrees to disarm.
However, Hezbollah’s position is closely linked to Iran, its principal regional ally. Tehran has sought guarantees that Israel would stop attacks on Hezbollah as part of any permanent agreement.
Control of Hill Could Shift Regional Balance
A sustained Israeli presence on Ali Taher could have wider military and diplomatic implications.
The hill provides a route toward Nabatiyeh and nearby areas, including the Apple Province and Rihan Mountain, where Hezbollah has maintained a presence since the late 1990s.
Israeli leaders have repeatedly warned that their forces could remain in Lebanon and have threatened stronger military action unless Hezbollah gives up its weapons and military infrastructure.
Khdour said Israeli control of the position would represent a significant operational setback for Hezbollah while improving Israel’s ability to protect communities in its northern territory.
He added that control of the site could also strengthen Israel’s negotiating position in any future discussions over a military withdrawal from Lebanon.
The confrontation over Ali Taher has therefore emerged as a critical test of the fragile ceasefire. Whether the Lebanese army can eventually take control of the hill, or whether Israel maintains its military presence, could influence the next phase of negotiations between Beirut and Tel Aviv.