Israel Widens Strikes After Seizing Ali al-Taher Ridge; 5 Killed, 24 Wounded

Israel announced it had gained 'operational control' of the Ali al-Taher ridge, a strategic elevated position overlooking southern Lebanon that reportedly contained Hezbollah fighters in tunnels. Israel then widened strikes across the south, hitting Nabatieh district, Ramadiyeh (Tyre district), Mayfadoun, Zawtar, Ain al-Tineh (western Bekaa Valley), Wadi al-Salouqi, Wadi al-Hujeir and Bint Jbeil. Lebanon's health ministry reported 5 killed and 24 wounded, including 6 paramedics, 3 women and 2 girls; two were killed when a strike hit a motorcycle in Nabatieh district, and one was killed in a strike on a house in Ramadiyeh. Late Friday, the IDF said it struck Hezbollah sites after the group launched a drone at Israeli Commando Brigade troops near the ridge, which Israel said it shot down without casualties; the IDF called the drone launch a 'blatant violation' of the June ceasefire. Analysts linked the escalation to Israel's October 2026 elections and warned the ridge capture could mark expansion beyond Israel's self-declared security zone.