Ali al-Taher’s destruction reshapes southern Lebanon

The massive explosions that struck the Ali al-Taher heights in southern Lebanon on 10 September 2026 marked a significant development in the ongoing confrontation between Israel and Hezbollah, placing one of the South’s most strategically important locations at the center of military and political attention.

However, the developments did not begin with the explosion itself. In the days preceding the operation, the area had already become a focal point of discussions over southern Lebanon’s security arrangements, the deployment of state institutions, and the future role of armed groups outside state control.

A blast felt across southern Lebanon

The scale of the explosions drew widespread concern across southern Lebanon. According to the National News Agency (NNA), seismic monitoring recorded activity equivalent to a 4.2 magnitude earthquake following the operation. The shockwave was felt across Nabatieh and surrounding villages, as well as parts of Jezzine, Hasbaya, and Marjayoun, underscoring the scale of the detonation.

Israeli reports said that more than 1,100 tons of explosives were used in the destruction of the underground network. The resulting blasts caused visible changes to the landscape, with images showing large openings and collapses across parts of the ridge.

The operation also affected nearby infrastructure, whereby the Khardali road was blocked after rocks and debris fell following the explosions, disrupting movement between parts of southern Lebanon. Additionally, the continued bombardment contributed to growing concerns among residents, with parts of Nabatieh and its surroundings experiencing renewed displacement, disruption to daily life, and heightened uncertainty over whether the operation represented an isolated military action or the beginning of a broader escalation.

Conflicting claims over Hezbollah presence

Following the operation, Israeli sources provided additional details about the site. An Israeli source cited by Sky News Arabia claimed that around 50 Hezbollah members had been present in the area and that most had been killed during the fighting. The source also described Ali al-Taher as a long-standing Hezbollah command center.

The same source denied reports of Iranian personnel being present during the operation, while Israeli officials continued to stress Iran’s alleged role in supporting Hezbollah’s military infrastructure.

The Israeli operation: Destroying Hezbollah’s underground infrastructure

The Israeli army said that forces from the 36th Division destroyed underground routes beneath Ali al-Taher after conducting extensive preparations, including establishing operational control over the area before carrying out the tunnel destruction.

Israeli military spokesperson Ella Waweya stated that the destroyed infrastructure extended for more than two kilometers and contained rockets, missiles, drones, anti-tank weapons, explosives, and other military equipment. She added that the site included a command complex belonging to Hezbollah’s Badr Unit, with command rooms, weapons storage areas, and facilities for extended underground operations.

The Israeli army described the network as a strategic facility developed over approximately 20 years and claimed that it had been built with Iranian funding and planning. Israeli Minister of Defense Israel Katz said that the operation was part of efforts to prevent Hezbollah from rebuilding military infrastructure in the area. “We are destroying the tunnels and destroying the houses used as strongholds,” Katz said, according to Israeli statements. He added that Israel had established what he described as a fortified security zone.

Prime Minister (PM) Benjamin Netanyahu also said that the army was destroying underground Hezbollah infrastructure in Ali al-Taher, presenting the operation as part of Israel’s effort to prevent future attacks.

Ali al-Taher: A strategically significant height in southern Lebanon

Located near Nabatieh, north of the Litani River, Ali al-Taher is considered one of the most strategically significant elevations in southern Lebanon. Its location allows control and observation over large areas of the surrounding terrain, making it important for military calculations.

The heights also form part of a broader military geography extending toward sl-Dabsha and the Iqlim sl-Tuffah region, overlooking large parts of southern Lebanon. This strategic position has long made the area a focal point in Israeli military planning, particularly alongside nearby Beaufort Castle, where extensive underground infrastructure has also been targeted in recent operations.

Before the explosion: Calls for a stronger state presence in the south

Prior to the destruction of the underground facilities, Lebanese authorities had intensified their focus on strengthening the presence of state institutions in southern Lebanon amid growing tensions around Nabatieh and surrounding areas.

The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) reinforced its presence in Nabatieh as concerns increased over possible further Israeli military operations in the region. The deployment was intended to reduce the possibility of further escalation and reinforce the role of state institutions.

The increased military presence was accompanied by public scenes of support for the LAF, with some residents welcoming soldiers in Nabatieh, reflecting a desire among residents for security, stability, and a stronger state role after years of conflict.

President Joseph Aoun had also addressed these concerns during a Cabinet session. He said that the state had heard “the appeals of our people in Nabatieh, Tyre, and Arab Salim,” adding:

The time has come for the state to return to the South.

Aoun stressed that southern Lebanon remained “an essential part of Lebanon” and called on state institutions to provide support and services to residents.

Broader implications for southern Lebanon

The destruction of the Ali al-Taher underground network represents more than a military operation. It has become a symbol of the wider challenges facing southern Lebanon: the balance between Israeli security concerns, Hezbollah’s military role, Lebanon’s sovereignty, and the state’s ability to protect its citizens.

The operation has also renewed questions about Israel’s broader military objectives in the area. This is especially true since any future movement toward nearby strategic positions, including the heights leading toward Iqlim al-Tuffah or areas around Kfarreman, could represent a significant escalation, potentially altering the military balance and patterns of control in southern Lebanon.

Nevertheless, for many residents, the central concern remains security and stability rather than immediate political realignment. The welcoming of the LAF and calls for state presence reflect demands for protection and functioning institutions, but the long-term political implications remain uncertain.