Fear in Lebanon: Israel prepares to seize strategic ridge, awaits green light from Washington

A senior Lebanese security official told the newspaper Al-Joumhouria that Israel is preparing an attack to capture the Ali Taher ridge and is awaiting a green light from the US. The Americans requested a precise surgical operation with minimal civilian casualties. Hezbollah is besieged in an underground facility, and the IDF is cutting off water supply lines. The reports come amid uncertainty over the American-Iranian agreement and negotiations between Israel and Lebanon.

The Lebanese newspaper Al-Joumhouria reported this morning (Friday), citing a senior security official, that messages have reached officials in Beirut indicating Israel is preparing to launch an attack to capture the strategic Ali Taher ridge. According to the report, Israel is ready for the move and is awaiting a green light from the United States. The official claimed that the Americans informed Lebanese authorities they cannot completely prevent the operation but requested a precise surgical move with minimal civilian casualties that would not harm the framework agreement between Jerusalem and Beirut. The source said: "The Israelis need this achievement and will not back down from it," adding that all eyes are on Hezbollah's response, and the battle has become a matter of time and a race against the upcoming American-Iranian agreement. According to reports, Hezbollah militants are besieged in an underground facility, and the IDF is tightening the siege and cutting off water supply lines. The reports come amid uncertainty over the continuation of the conflict or the agreement between Iran and the US, and the negotiations between Israel and Lebanon that are supposed to resume in early September. Sources told Al-Jadeed channel that Beirut is escalating its demands regarding a ceasefire and expanding pilot zones. According to Al-Akhbar, American officials said they do not believe Israel will carry out a significant withdrawal before the elections. A diplomatic source told Asharq Al-Awsat that Israel links a ceasefire to Hezbollah's withdrawal from the Ali Taher area and its handover to the Lebanese army.