Pressure mounts around Ali al-Taher: Israel seeks to justify continued occupation of South Lebanon

Report by Amal Shehadeh, English adaptation by Yasmine Jaroudi

Israel is continuing efforts to justify its military presence in South Lebanon, including the Ali al-Taher hills, after reaching an apparent impasse with the United States over its demands to fully destroy the area, including Hezbollah tunnels.

Israeli security agencies say their intelligence has detected an increase in Iranian support for Hezbollah and the emergence of new methods for smuggling weapons to the group. Israeli officials are seeking to use the intelligence to bolster their argument for maintaining the Israeli air force’s freedom of action not only in Lebanon but also in Syria.

On the ground, Israeli security agencies are examining ways to deal with Hezbollah and Iranian Revolutionary Guard fighters who are reportedly trapped inside tunnels in the Ali al-Taher area. Officials are concerned that any military operation against those inside the tunnels could trigger a broader escalation with Iran.

According to security assessments, Israel is therefore pursuing a policy of containment and patience while conducting behind-the-scenes negotiations with Washington and other undisclosed parties in an effort to find a solution to the situation, a security official said.

The approach has not prevented Israel’s military leadership from increasing pressure on those trapped underground, seeking to isolate them and ultimately force them to surrender and leave the area.