The latest
Israeli newspaper Maariv said the Israeli army has taken control of strategic positions in southern Lebanon, including the Ali al-Taher heights, in a move with clear military weight more than a quarter-century after Israel’s withdrawal from the area.
According to the newspaper, the army is working to consolidate its presence at the Ali al-Taher heights, Ras al-Biyada and Beaufort Castle — elevated positions overlooking sensitive areas of southern Lebanon.
The Ali al-Taher heights are among the most important points around Nabatieh and Beaufort Castle because of their commanding location and their value for surveillance and field control.
The reported Israeli return to these points suggests the confrontation in southern Lebanon may no longer be limited to strikes or short incursions. It could be moving toward the establishment of military positions with strategic value.
Details
• Maariv said the Israeli army took control of positions in Ras al-Biyada, Beaufort Castle and the Ali al-Taher heights.
• The newspaper said the army is working to entrench its presence there.
• The Ali al-Taher heights overlook Nabatieh and the Beaufort Castle area.
• The area included Israeli military positions during Israel’s occupation of southern Lebanon.
• The move comes 26 years after the Israeli army withdrew from positions it had held in the area.
What to watch
The question now is whether this deployment remains a temporary field move or becomes a new military reality in southern Lebanon.
