Israel raises flag on Ali Taher hill, south Lebanon

SOUTH LEBANON — The Israeli flag was raised on Ali Taher hill in southern Lebanon on Tuesday, according to images obtained by L'Orient Today's correspondent.

The images date back to about a week ago and were taken by photojournalist Ali Omeis. It remains unclear whether the Israeli flag is still flying at the site.

Earlier reports indicated the presence of Israeli forces in the vicinity of the hill. According to the available information, there is currently no confirmation that Israeli forces entered Hezbollah facilities in the area. Informed sources said these facilities had previously been targeted by Israeli airstrikes, which reportedly blocked or caused the collapse of their entrances. As a result, it is difficult to determine their current condition, whether they have been completely evacuated, or whether anyone remains inside.

Regarding the Israeli flag, sources interviewed by our correspondent outlined two main hypotheses. The first is that an Israeli infantry unit reached the site and raised the flag. The second is that the flag was placed there by an Israeli drone or aircraft.

At the end of June, the Israeli army claimed to have surrounded an underground Hezbollah complex at the Ali Taher ridge, trapping dozens of fighters inside.

This hill has both symbolic and strategic value. Located north of the Litani River, it is considered important because it overlooks a large part of southeastern Lebanon, notably the Beaufort Castle and the entire surrounding valley, as well as the Nabatieh district and even Iqlim al-Tuffah and Jabal Rihan in the Jezzine district.

At the end of May, the Israeli army claimed it seized the medieval Beaufort Castle in Nabatieh and raised the Israeli flag on the site.

Reporting contributed by L'Orient Today's regional correspondent in the south, Muntasser Abdallah.