Israel Threatens to Eliminate Anyone Approaching Strategic Heights in Southern Lebanon

BEIRUT: Israeli Minister of Military Affairs Israel Katz has threatened to “eliminate” anyone approaching the Ali al-Taher ridge in southern Lebanon, as Israeli forces move to strengthen their military presence in the strategically important area.

Katz said on Sunday that Israeli forces had targeted members of Hezbollah and destroyed infrastructure in the region while preparing to prevent Hezbollah or any other group from re-establishing a presence there.

He said the ridge falls within what Israel calls the “Yellow Line,” a military zone extending roughly 10 kilometres into southern Lebanon from the border.

Israel has described the area as a security zone covering approximately 700 square kilometres, despite it being Lebanese territory.

Israel Conditions Withdrawal on Hezbollah Disarmament

Katz said Israeli forces would not withdraw or reposition from their current positions in southern Lebanon until Hezbollah was disarmed across the country.

The statement signals that Israel intends to maintain its military presence in southern Lebanon despite the existing framework for a gradual withdrawal.

Lebanese authorities and Hezbollah had not immediately issued a response to Katz’s latest remarks.

Israeli Airstrikes Continue in Southern Lebanon

Lebanon’s official National News Agency reported that Israeli fighter jets and artillery carried out a series of attacks across southern Lebanon on Sunday.

Israeli aircraft struck the Ali al-Taher forest on the outskirts of Nabatieh al-Fawqa before carrying out another strike against the town less than 15 minutes later.

The aircraft then conducted two successive strikes on Kfar Tebnit, followed by a third attack on the town less than half an hour later.

Another Israeli airstrike was reported near al-Dabsha hill, while Zawtar al-Sharqiyah came under Israeli artillery fire.

There were no immediate reports on casualties or the full extent of the damage.

Attacks Continue Despite June Agreement

The latest Israeli operations took place despite a US-sponsored framework agreement signed between Beirut and Tel Aviv on June 26.

The agreement provides for a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory alongside the deployment of the Lebanese Army.

Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem has rejected the agreement as illegitimate and unlawful.

Hezbollah and Israel Remain in Confrontation

Hezbollah began military operations against Israel on March 2, citing the US-Israeli assault on Iran, continued Israeli violations of the 2024 ceasefire and Israel’s continued presence in southern Lebanon.

Despite negotiations over the subsequent months, Israeli military operations in Lebanon have continued.

According to official Lebanese figures cited in the report, Israeli attacks since March 2 have killed nearly 4,400 people and injured approximately 12,500 others.

Southern Lebanon Remains Occupied

Israel continues to hold positions in parts of southern Lebanon, including areas it has occupied for extended periods as well as territory seized during more recent military operations.

The continuing Israeli presence, combined with renewed airstrikes and artillery attacks, has raised concerns over the durability of the June framework and the prospects for a lasting reduction in hostilities.

Katz’s latest warning further underscores Israel’s determination to maintain control over strategically important areas in southern Lebanon, while the Lebanese side continues to face pressure over the presence of Israeli forces on its territory.