PNN – An international affairs expert has outlined the recent situation regarding “Ali al-Tahir” Hill in southern Lebanon.
According to the report of Pakistan News Network; Seyyed Reza Sadr-ol-Hosseini, an expert on international affairs, commented on the latest status of “Ali al-Tahir” Hill—which has recently been the target of extensive attempts by the Zionists to capture it—stating: “Ali al-Tahir” Hill holds significant geographical and military importance, as its heights offer a commanding view over a substantial part of the Nabatieh region and the city of Nabatieh itself. Furthermore, its proximity to certain areas within the occupied territories is relatively short; consequently, the site could be utilized by Hezbollah for launching strikes and conducting operations.
He continued: However, what has heightened the significance of this hill in recent months—beyond its inherent strategic position—is the Zionist regime’s repeated attempts to seize it and its failure to achieve that objective. To gain control of the area, Israeli forces have employed massive firepower, including intense aerial bombardment, missile strikes, and close-range, precision artillery fire; yet, despite this volume of fire, they have encountered serious difficulties in attaining their goal.
This regional affairs expert noted that this very issue has led to the creation—within the media and propaganda spheres—of a specific image regarding the strategic importance of Ali al-Tahir Hill. In these narratives, alongside the hill’s geographical location, claims have been raised and highlighted concerning the existence of an extensive tunnel network, the deployment of strategic weapons, and even the presence of Special Forces beneath these heights.
Noting that the reality on the ground differs significantly from this propaganda-driven image, Mr. Sadr-al-Hosseini continued: Despite the heavy fire from invading Israeli forces, the number of Lebanese resistance fighters tasked with holding this hill was limited; furthermore, contrary to the narratives being circulated, the tunnels beneath it contain neither a significant stockpile of strategic weaponry nor special forces on the scale suggested by Israeli media.
He added: Consequently, it is to be expected that if the Zionist regime’s military forces ultimately succeed in entering the hill or some of its tunnels, the move will be accompanied by extensive media and propaganda coverage, and the Netanyahu administration will attempt to capitalize on it in the political and electoral arenas.
Noting that the entry of Israeli forces into the tunnels beneath the hill is also fraught with serious concerns and apprehensions for the regime, this regional affairs expert pointed out that Israeli military accounts have raised the possibility of special forces—or even Iranian troops—being present in the area; furthermore, there is a prevailing belief that the tunnel entrances may be mined, booby-trapped, or rigged with various types of explosives. This assessment renders the direct entry of forces into the tunnels a highly risky operation.
Mr. Sadr-al-Hosseini continued: Another significant factor is the geographical layout of the adjacent high ground. Two hills situated on either side of Ali al-Tahir Hill overlook the area, enabling heavy fire to be directed at any forces attempting to establish a position on the hill or enter its tunnels. Consequently, even if Israeli commando forces were to enter the area, the threat facing them would not be eliminated, as they would remain vulnerable to fire from the surrounding heights.
He emphasized that, ultimately, a crucial historical and strategic point must be considered. When the Lebanese Hezbollah resistance movement began its operations to counter the occupation and safeguard Lebanon’s territorial integrity, forces of the Zionist regime were present on the streets of Beirut; yet, subsequently, the vast majority of the occupied Lebanese territories were liberated through resistance and at the cost of significant sacrifice.
In conclusion, this regional analyst stated that Hezbollah’s accumulated experience demonstrates that even the potential capture of a specific geographical location—such as the Ali al-Tahir hill—should not be assessed in isolation or viewed as the final outcome of the battle. Developments on the ground following such a potential seizure of these heights, combined with the nature of the resistance’s response, could once again alter the equation and shift the situation to the advantage of the Lebanese people and the detriment of the Zionist regime.