The massive detonations of tunnels at Ali al-Taher Ridge over the weekend weren’t the end to Israel’s military offensive in the areas, and Defense Minister Israel Katz’s comments are threatening to make the attack an even bigger issue for civilians in the surrounding area.
Katz said on Sunday Israel’s intention was to prevent Hezbollah “or any other party” from having a presence around the ridge. He said Israeli forces would take over the area, and that they intended to “eliminate” anyone approaching the ridge for any reason.
This is potentially a major problem for the residents of that area of southern Lebanon. Ali al-Taher Ridge is near multiple municipalities, including the important city of Nabatieh. Recent weeks have seen Israeli forces attacking nearby towns, including Nabatieh al-Fawqa, Kfar Tebnit, and Kfar Roumine.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz visits southern Lebanon
That region is outside of the “yellow zone” that Israel has previously occupied, and Katz’s comments suggest that once again, Israel’s military occupation of Lebanon is encompassing more and more territory. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s comments pointed to that continuing.
Hyping the “huge victory” at Ali al-Taher Ridge, Netanyahu said Israel would continue to “destroy terror infrastructure in the security zone.” Since the IDF regularly frames schools, hospitals and civilian homes as “terror infrastructure” in statements, that may point to more attacks against towns within the seemingly ever-expanding “security zone.”
As the war drags on, Israel has outright destroyed some villages, but even in others the extent of the damage done to local infrastructure like water and electricity is causing the formerly displaced civilians, who are attempting to return home, to face growing difficulties. They’re clearly facing a long road to try to restore a sense of normalcy in the south, particularly with the occupation and the attacks still ongoing.
