Lebanese soldiers below the strategic Ali Taher hill overlooking Nabatieh, on Sept. 2, 2026, in southern Lebanon. (Credit: Matthieu Karam/L’Orient-Le Jour)
The Israeli announcement that it had taken over the tunnels on Ali Taher hill may remain shrouded in mystery, with no clear understanding of how it was achieved. Was it the result of a deal or a secret arrangement that allowed Iranian Revolutionary Guards officers and members to leave the area? Or was it the outcome of Israeli military operations based on a strategy of gradual encroachment, destruction and tightening the noose until Hezbollah fighters’ supply routes inside the facility were cut off?Beyond these details, the broader picture needs to be considered. The Israeli military operation around Ali Taher has been ongoing for several weeks, alternating between periods of escalation and relative calm. Alongside the military operations, several proposals were put forward — including handing the facility over to the Lebanese Army — in...
The Israeli announcement that it had taken over the tunnels on Ali Taher hill may remain shrouded in mystery, with no clear understanding of how it was achieved. Was it the result of a deal or a secret arrangement that allowed Iranian Revolutionary Guards officers and members to leave the area? Or was it the outcome of Israeli military operations based on a strategy of gradual encroachment, destruction and tightening the noose until Hezbollah fighters’ supply routes inside the facility were cut off?Beyond these details, the broader picture needs to be considered. The Israeli military operation around Ali Taher has been ongoing for several weeks, alternating between periods of escalation and relative calm. Alongside the military operations, several proposals were put forward — including handing the facility over to the Lebanese Army...