Israel and Hezbollah battle over a strategic hill in Lebanon

BEIRUT (AP) – Since a ceasefire went into effect between Israel and Hezbollah more than two months ago, fighting has halted in much of Lebanon, but not on a strategic hill overlooking parts of a main southern city.

What happened

In recent weeks, Ali Taher hill has been the scene of daily shelling and airstrikes by Israel's military. Hezbollah, a militant group backed by Iran, has repeatedly attacked Israeli forces in the area with drones.

Meanwhile, the United States, which is mediating discussions between Lebanon and Israel, had wanted Hezbollah to hand over the hill to the Lebanese army as part of larger plan to disarm the militant group and dismantle its infrastructure. But Hezbollah has refused.

Lebanon and Israel reached a framework agreement in June stating Israel will withdraw from Lebanon as Hezbollah is disarmed. The militant group was not a party to the negotiations and has rejected calls to disarm in areas north of the Litani river. It is where Ali Taher is located.

The bottom line

For now, israel and Hezbollah battle over a strategic hill in Lebanon remains the part of the story worth watching, and further updates are likely as more details are confirmed.