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Israel and Hezbollah battle over a strategic hill in Lebanon
AP News • • world
Key Points:
- Despite a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, intense fighting continues on Ali Taher hill in southern Lebanon, with daily Israeli shelling and airstrikes met by Hezbollah drone attacks.
- The U.S.-mediated Lebanon-Israel framework calls for Israel's withdrawal as Hezbollah disarms, but Hezbollah refuses to relinquish Ali Taher to the Lebanese army, fearing Israeli takeover.
- Israel announced operational control of Ali Taher and its tunnel network, a strategic site used by Hezbollah for command and weapons storage, though the extent of control remains unclear amid ongoing airstrikes.
- Lebanon's army is ready to take over Ali Taher but accuses Israel of blocking this move due to political reasons ahead of Israeli elections, complicating efforts to stabilize the region.
- The capture of Ali Taher could enable Israel to target further Hezbollah strongholds, increasing military pressure on the group and impacting future negotiations over Israeli troop withdrawal.
