Israel awaits US green light for operation to seize Ali al-Taher r

Key Points:

• Lebanese authorities have received intelligence indicating Israel is preparing a military operation to seize the strategic Ali al-Taher ridge, pending approval from the United States, according to a senior security official cited by Al Joumhouria.
• The U.S. has reportedly requested that any Israeli offensive be precise and minimize civilian casualties to avoid damaging the framework agreement between Jerusalem and Beirut.
• Hezbollah is believed to have fighters trapped in underground facilities on the Ali al-Taher ridge, with the IDF tightening siege efforts, including cutting off water supplies, while Hezbollah attempts to resupply via drones.
• The situation is tense amid ongoing U.S.-Iran negotiations and upcoming Israel-Lebanon talks, with Beirut reportedly toughening cease-fire demands and Israel linking any cease-fire to Hezbollah withdrawing from Ali al-Taher.
• Sources indicate that Israel’s political leadership has authorized military action on Ali al-Taher, viewing the area's evacuation by Hezbollah as essential for advancing the framework agreement.