**Title: Israel Claims Destruction of Hezbollah Base in Southern Lebanon**
**Date: September 10, 2026**
The Israeli military has announced the destruction of Hezbollah's underground infrastructure at a significant site located in the Ali al-Taher ridge in southern Lebanon. This operation, which took place on September 8, is seen by Israeli officials as a move to reinforce their security presence in the area, which has been a focal point of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz released a joint statement asserting that Israeli forces would continue to operate in the region to prevent Hezbollah, an Iran-aligned militant group, from re-establishing its presence and capabilities. The Ali al-Taher ridge is approximately 15 kilometers (10 miles) from the Israeli border and has become increasingly contested in recent months.
According to Katz, Israeli forces successfully expelled Hezbollah fighters from a network of tunnels believed to be constructed under the ridge. Reports suggest that these tunnels may have served as a command center and storage for weapons, with sources indicating that the infrastructure was developed as recently as July.
The Lebanese National News Agency reported that the Israeli military executed a powerful blast at the ridge, which was felt in Nabatieh and surrounding areas. The Israeli military described the operation as having established "operational control" over both the surface and underground areas of the ridge. The underground network reportedly extended over 2 kilometers (just over 1 mile) and housed various military assets, including rockets, missiles, drones, anti-tank missiles, mines, and explosive devices.
Notably, the Israeli military indicated that a central command complex belonging to Hezbollah’s Badr unit was part of the destroyed infrastructure. This complex included command centers, weapons storage rooms, and living quarters that allowed Hezbollah fighters to remain hidden underground for extended periods.
As of now, Hezbollah has not publicly responded to the Israeli attacks. The recent military actions come in the context of ongoing tensions in the region, particularly following a ceasefire agreement reached in June. This ceasefire, brokered by the United States, aimed to facilitate a gradual Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon while calling for the disarmament of Hezbollah by Lebanese troops. However, progress on this front has stalled, with Hezbollah refusing to relinquish its weapons and Israel maintaining that it will not withdraw until the group is disarmed.
In recent weeks, Israeli military operations have continued around the Ali al-Taher ridge, despite the ceasefire. The situation has drawn attention from international observers, especially given Iran's warning to the United States last month that it would respond forcefully if Israeli attacks persisted.
The ongoing conflict has seen Israel expand its military presence in southern Lebanon, seizing strategic positions and establishing what it refers to as a buffer zone between its territory and Hezbollah positions. This has raised concerns about the potential for further escalation in the region, as both sides remain entrenched in their positions.
As the situation develops, the international community will be closely monitoring the actions of both Israel and Hezbollah, particularly in light of the fragile ceasefire and the implications for regional stability.