The Israeli military announced on Thursday that it had established operational control over the Ali al-Taher ridge, a strategic highland in southern Lebanon used by Hezbollah for tunnels and command facilities.

Defense Minister Israel Katz stated on Friday that the capture completes the consolidation of Israel's hold on a security zone along the border. The ridge sits roughly six to ten miles from the Israeli border, overlooks areas near Nabatiyeh, and lies north of the Litani River.

Israeli forces have worked since June to surround and clear the underground complex, which includes tunnels, command centers, weapons storage, and living quarters built over two decades with Iranian support. Troops cleared two underground routes, with some Hezbollah fighters killed and others fleeing.

Katz said the military will now neutralize the tunnels and maintain positions to prevent Hezbollah from returning. He linked the move to broader goals of disarming Hezbollah throughout Lebanon and removing threats to northern Israel.

The development comes despite a ceasefire reached in June 2026 after months of fighting that intensified following a U.S.-Israeli operation against Iran in March. Hezbollah has downplayed the ridge's importance and has not issued a detailed response.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the operation as clearing a threat from the heights. The site is near other positions Israel has secured, including Beaufort Castle captured earlier this year.

Lebanese officials have noted difficulties in independent verification due to the ongoing military presence. The ridge's capture adds to concerns about the duration of Israeli operations in the area amid upcoming Israeli elections on October 27.