Israel has claimed control of a contested Hezbollah stronghold in southern Lebanon’s Ali al-Taher Heights this month, following months of operations and attempted negotiations involving Hezbollah and the Lebanese army. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) now controls a larger swatch of southern Lebanon. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a joint statement, declaring Israel intends to remain in the area lest Hezbollah return and rebuild. Nuna described the situation as a new wave of displacement despite a supposed ceasefire. "Now that this is under IDF control, the fear is that they are creating now a line between Mount Hermon and the sea, including areas from the south that were not targeted before, that were also under Hezbollah control," Nuna stated. "It’s a new wave of displacement that is happening now, even though this is not a fight."
Operation and Negotiations
Nuna with Triumphant Mercy Lebanon stated that the initial proposition was for the Lebanese army to take over the area, which ultimately did not occur. "Why didn’t Hezbollah give it to the Lebanese army? That was the proposition from the beginning, that the Lebanese army will take over that specific area, and then Israel will not have to take it," Nuna said. Israeli forces have since blown up tunnels Hezbollah allegedly dug at Ali al-Taher, with the United States Geological Survey reporting a 4.1-magnitude tremor following the blasts.
Nuna added that with the Israel Defense Forces controlling the area, "the fear is that they are creating now a line between Mount Hermon and the sea, including areas from the south that were not targeted before, that were also under Hezbollah control." She described the situation as "a new wave of displacement that is happening now, even though this is not a fight." Representatives from Israel and Lebanon are scheduled to meet in Rome and the southern United States for discussions.
Strategic Implications
Nuna stated that Israel’s control of Ali al-Taher will serve as a leverage point in upcoming discussions. She expressed concern that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are now creating "a line between Mount Hermon and the sea, including areas from the south that were not targeted before, that were also under Hezbollah control." Nuna described the situation as "a new wave of displacement that is happening now, even though this is not a fight." She added that this is occurring despite a supposed ceasefire and ongoing discussions for the IDF to return towards the yellow line. Nuna indicated fears that escalation could influence talks scheduled to take place later in the month in Rome. She further noted the uncertainty, stating, "We are in that place where we don’t know what’s happening tomorrow, but at the same time, it’s really a difficult situation, and people have to evacuate one more time."
Humanitarian Concerns
Humanitarian concerns have escalated in southern Lebanon following the Israel Defense Forces' (IDF) increased presence in the Ali al-Taher Heights. Nuna, representing Triumphant Mercy Lebanon, described the situation as a "new wave of displacement." This displacement is occurring despite a supposed ceasefire, as Israel claims control over areas previously held by Hezbollah. Nuna expressed fears that the IDF is now establishing "a line between Mount Hermon and the sea, including areas from the south that were not targeted before, that were also under Hezbollah control." She emphasized the difficulty faced by residents, stating, "people have to evacuate one more time." The uncertainty surrounding the future of the region is palpable, with Nuna noting, "We are in that place where we don’t know what’s happening tomorrow, but at the same time, it’s really a difficult situation." This situation could influence upcoming discussions between representatives from Israel and Lebanon scheduled in Rome and the southern United States.
