Lebanon Raises Death Toll to Four in Overnight Israeli Strikes

Lebanon's health ministry reported four people killed and 32 wounded in Israeli strikes on Friday, particularly in the Nabatieh region.

An 18-year-old woman was among the dead. The Israeli army stated its forces struck Hezbollah terrorists and infrastructure, including weapon storage facilities, in response to an attempted Hezbollah attack on Friday. Israel said a drone was launched toward Israeli troops in south Lebanon, but reported no troop injuries. Hezbollah condemned the strikes on Saturday, in its first statement since Israel announced control of the Ali al-Taher ridge.

Hezbollah's statement did not mention Ali al-Taher or confirm Israel had taken the site. The raids followed Israel's announcement on Thursday that it had taken operational control of the strategic Ali al-Taher ridge near south Lebanon's Nabatieh. Israel had occupied Ali al-Taher for 18 years before withdrawing in 2000. The hill overlooks several villages and main roads to Nabatiyeh.

The United States is mediating talks between Lebanon and Israel and had wanted Hezbollah to hand over the hill to the Lebanese army as part of a plan to disarm the group. Hezbollah refused this proposal from the Lebanese government. Israel and Hezbollah have been in conflict since March, when Hezbollah launched rocket attacks against Israel.

Israel responded with airstrikes and a ground invasion. A ceasefire went into effect more than two months ago, but fighting continued on Ali al-Taher hill. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Friday that military operations to thwart terrorism were continuing with full force in Lebanon, Gaza, and the West Bank. The International Committee of the Red Cross facilitated the transfer of four people detained by Israel to Lebanon on Friday, a day after another person was freed.