Report: Attempts to convince Hezbollah to withdraw from the Ali al-Tahar ridge have failed
Efforts to convince Hezbollah to withdraw from the Ali al-Tahar ridge and hand it over to the Lebanese army have failed. Sources indicate that the lack of cooperation has increased fears of further Israeli escalation.
The Lebanese newspaper "Nidaa al-Watan" reported this morning (Saturday) that efforts to convince Hezbollah to withdraw from the Ali al-Tahar ridge and hand it over to the Lebanese army have not led to results so far. The move, initiated by Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, encountered a lack of cooperation from Hezbollah. According to sources who spoke with the newspaper, the main concern is an escalation by Israel.
According to those sources, an Israeli escalation is expected not to stop only at Ali al-Tahar, but will also reach Rihan and Sujud, two villages located on the Jabal Rihan ridge in the south of the country, about 83 km from Beirut. The sources added that the Israeli side is no longer willing to make further concessions as long as the Lebanese state does not take practical steps regarding the disarmament of Hezbollah.
Furthermore, the sources said that "the stalemate on the ground is affecting the negotiation process, and therefore a final date for the next round of talks in Rome has not yet been set." They also noted difficulties regarding the pilot areas and the supervisory committee.
Meanwhile, the news site The Cradle reported that the IDF has carried out at least 10 strikes in Lebanon since midnight. According to the report, airstrikes were conducted against the village of Mansouri, artillery fire targeted the Ali al-Tahar ridge, and a drone attack occurred in Nabatieh. It was also reported that Israeli forces advanced into the village of Shebaa, took over a house, and raised the Israeli flag over it. Fires broke out at the attack sites in the area of the towns of Ayta al-Jabal and Haddatha.
On Thursday, the IDF Spokesperson confirmed that Hezbollah infrastructure was attacked in the Nabatieh area. It was further stated that weapons warehouses, intended to harm IDF forces and citizens of the State of Israel, were destroyed. The strikes were carried out in response to Hezbollah's attempt to launch explosive drones during the night against IDF forces operating in the Ali al-Tahar ridge area. There were no casualties.
