"All red lines will be crossed": In Lebanon they claim - Israel is preparing for a major operation
The Lebanese channel "Al-Jadeed" quoted an informed source as saying that "Israel is preparing for full control over the Ali-Tahar ridge." According to him, the timing for the start of the operation depends on the USA. Another report in Lebanon: these are the commitments of Israel and Hezbollah for de-escalation.
Against the backdrop of the heating up on the Lebanese front, a source described as informed said this morning (Monday) to the Lebanese channel "Al-Jadeed" that "all signs point to an Israeli preparation for full control over the Ali-Tahar ridge. This is what explains the intensity of the strikes in the ridge area and in its depth, even yesterday, as well as the artillery shelling, the bombings, and the dropping of explosive charges using UAVs."
According to the source, "the Israeli message is clear: any further intervention by Hezbollah will be met with the crossing of all red lines. It seems that the timing of the operation depends on the USA."
The Ali-Tahar ridge in southern Lebanon separates the Litani River from the Nabatieh district. At the top of the ridge stands the Beaufort fortress, which was captured by IDF forces. The ridge overlooks Metula.
Commitment to de-escalation?
Meanwhile, a diplomatic source said this morning in the Lebanese newspaper "Nidaa al-Watan" that high-level contacts took place between Beirut and Washington to curb the escalation in Lebanon. They ended with a formulation according to which Israel will suffice with the strikes it carried out, and Hezbollah will refrain from revenge for the elimination of the two commanders in the terrorist organization.
According to the source, following this, contacts took place between President Joseph Aoun, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, and Prime Minister Najib Mikati in Lebanon, which led to a commitment to de-escalation. Berri, who also serves as the chairman of the Shiite movement Amal, is considered close to Hezbollah and the main contact person with them.
Against this background, American sources told the newspaper that Washington's policy is still characterized by a practical approach that focuses on the role of the Lebanese state and the goal of dismantling Hezbollah's military infrastructure. According to the sources, the framework agreement is a gradual process that combines the withdrawal of the IDF from southern Lebanon with the elimination of Hezbollah's armed presence in a verifiable manner.
The American sources further emphasized that the USA opposes the unlimited military presence of Israel in time, and uses its influence to strengthen the state of Lebanon and the Lebanese army. However, a senior American official emphasized that from Washington's perspective, Hezbollah remains the main obstacle to achieving permanent security arrangements between the countries.
