File image.
An Israeli attempt to take over a strategic height in southern Lebanon has ended with a costly defeat after fierce resistance from Hezbollah.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) offensive in the direction of the Ali al-Taher height began on June 14, just as the United States and Iran were putting the final touches on the memorandum of understanding to end the war in the Gulf.
Ali al-Taher is one of the main strategic highest points to the north of the Litani River, which the IDF crossed last month. A large underground base of Hezbollah with a complex network of tunnels is reported to be located under the height.
For four days, Israeli troops, mainly advancing from the direction of Beaufort Castle, attempted to reach the height. However, they ultimately failed, with Hezbollah announcing on June 18 that several advance attempts were repelled, even confirming that the nearby town of Kfartebnit was still under its control.
Overnight into June 19, the IDF made its largest push towards Ali al-Taher. However, it again failed to advance and took losses.
Hezbollah reported the destruction of three Merkava main battle tanks with guided missiles, and Israel later admitted that one was completely destroyed with its crew of four killed. One of the Israeli troops killed in the tank was the commander of the 401st Armored Brigade’s 52nd Battalion. This was a major loss for the IDF.
The serious losses led to outrage in the Israeli political echelon. Still, under pressure from the U.S. and threats from Iran, a ceasefire was announced later on June 19.
Lt. Col. Dor Gedalia Ben Simhon. (Israel Defense Forces)
The escalation continued, however, and overnight into June 20, another round of clashes was reported close to Ali al-Taher.
Later in the day, the IDF acknowledged that a soldier was killed, and 13 others were wounded in a drone strike in Kfartebnit.
Click to see full-size image. (X)
The Israeli offensive stopped completely by June 21, with reports of partial withdrawals by the IDF. Hezbollah was confirmed to be still in complete control of all of Ali al-Taher, in addition to Kfartebnit. The group also dismissed Israeli claims about its fighter being besieged or trapped in the underground base there.
By June 25, additional reports of a partial Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon came out, with the IDF later denying them.
The Israeli offensive was likely intended to heavily publicize the capture of the underground base at Ali al-Taher and challenge the recent U.S.-Iran deal. Ultimately, Israel not only failed to achieve these strategic objectives but also suffered some serious losses.
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