Israel seizes Hezbollah's Ali Taher hill in Lebanon

Israeli forces captured the Ali Taher hill in Lebanon, marking a victory over Hezbollah and raising questions about the militia's refusal to cede the position to the Lebanese army. The hill was not evacuated or abandoned as a tactical maneuver, as Hezbollah propagandists claim; Israel took control of it both above and below ground. Hezbollah's failure to deny the loss is notable. During negotiations, Hezbollah was offered the chance to hand the position to Lebanese state forces, but reportedly preferred to let it fall to Israel instead, escalating the conflict.