Click to see full-size image. (X)
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) launched strikes in southern Lebanon on the night of August 14 and 15, saying it struck Hezbollah infrastructure in response to an attack by the group on troops.
A strike in the town of Ansar, north of the city of Tyre, killed seven people and wounded three, according to Lebanon’s official National News Agency, which said that other strikes hit the city of Nabatieh and its surroundings, including some of the heaviest strikes yet on the Ali Taher Ridge, beneath which Hezbollah has a major underground facility.
In a statement, the IDF said that it struck Hezbollah infrastructure in both Ansar and Nabatieh, which are some 15 kilometers apart.
“The strikes were carried out following an action by the Hezbollah terror organization against our forces in the Ali Taher Ridge area, which is located within the security zone where IDF troops are operating,” the military said, without immediately providing details on the Hezbollah attack.
The strike on Ansar is both the deadliest and deepest attack by the IDF against Lebanon since the framework agreement brokered by the United States entered into effect last June.
The framework agreement involves the disarmament of Hezbollah and a gradual withdrawal of the IDF from Lebanon’s south. It also includes the deployment of the Lebanese army to areas where Israeli troops have pulled out, starting in test areas known as “pilot zones.”
Just before the agreement was announced, the IDF made an attempt to capture Ali Taher, but failed. Hezbollah put on fierce resistance, killing several Israeli troops and destroying a number of tanks. The group has since vowed to defend the ridge at any cost, and last month it struck an Israeli unmanned bulldozer for merely approaching the area.
The latest wave of Israeli strikes came after a series of reports in Lebanese media revealing that Beirut has been informed of a plan by the IDF to attack Ali Taher again, with approval from the U.S.
One report from Al Joumhouria said that the U.S. asked Israel to make sure that the ground operation is a precise, surgical move with minimal civilian casualties in order to not harm the framework agreement.
Unfazed by these reports, Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem on August 14 accused Lebanese authorities of subjecting the country’s army to undue pressure by implementing the framework agreement.
“How can you accept this ongoing humiliation of the Lebanese army, exposing it to bombardment and Israeli pressures, instead of acting as its protectors?” Qassem said in a speech.
“Israel is attempting to bind Lebanon to an inquiry committee that oversees the army’s deployment, operations, and internal details. Where is the patriotism? Where is the dignity of the army that ought to be preserved?” he added.
All recent developments indicate that a fierce battle is about to break out in southern Lebanon, with Ali Taher at its center. The recent reports about an Israeli plan to attack the ridge again seems credible, especially after the recent deadly Israeli strikes.
Hezbollah is not likely to back down, and taking into account its previous success in defending the ridge, an Israeli victory is not guaranteed.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence
NOW hosted at southfront.press
Previously, SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence was at southfront.org.
The .org domain name had been blocked by the US (NATO) (https://southfront.press/southfront-org-blocked-by-u-s-controlled-global-internet-supervisor/) globally, outlawed and without any explanation
Back before that, from 2013 to 2015, SouthFront: Analysis and Intelligence was at southfront.com
the kiddie killing jooz had better make sure they have a good supply of diapers on hand. they ran from hezbollah like rabbits last time they tried to take the ridge. these arseholes should stick to murdering, torturing and raping civilians. it’s all they’re fit for.