'Israeli' military alleges it found 15 Hezbollah bodies in Ali Taher tunnels: Report

• Restrictions eased over Hezbollah’s alleged efforts to draw Iran into direct conflict.
• Extensive tunnels identified as a major Hezbollah headquarters in southern Lebanon.
• Four ‘Israeli’ troops die during operations on the ridge.

Military censorship restrictions surrounding operations on the Ali Taher ridge in southern Lebanon were lifted after 'Israeli' defense officials were alleging that Hezbollah was attempting to drag Iran into direct military confrontation with 'Israel', Maariv reported.

According to military sources cited by Maariv, the decision to reveal details of the operation came after claiming that Hezbollah, realizing it was losing its primary strategic asset in the south, sought Iranian intervention to halt the 'Israeli' advance.

Military officials confirmed to Maariv that the two primary subterranean passages on the Ali Taher ridge served as the core operational center for Hezbollah's "Badr" force, describing it as the group's "Kirya" (headquarters) in southern Lebanon.

"The tunnels on the ridge are Hezbollah's 'Kirya' base in southern Lebanon," a military source told Maariv. "These are massive tunnels containing operational rooms, communications facilities, clinics, logistical equipment, and more. Their fall into Israeli hands is an operational, strategic, and moral blow to the organization."

Fatal anti-tank engagement 

Detailed information published by Maariv regarding the campaign led by the 36th Division under Brig. Gen. Yiftach Norkin revealed that operations on the Ali Taher ridge commenced on the night of June 14, running almost parallel to operations surrounding Beaufort Castle.

Maariv reported that on the night between June 18 and June 19, a tank carrying 52nd Armored Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Dor Gedalia Ben Simhon was struck by anti-tank fire and drones during intense operations opposite the village of Tebnit.

The mission aimed to sever logistical links between the ridge's tunnel network and the nearby Nabatieh region.

The attack resulted in the deaths of Lt. Col. Ben Simhon and three crew members: Staff Sgt. Yoav Klein, Staff Sgt. Liav Kavavya, and Staff Sgt. Neve Habashush.

Defense officials claimed that around 30 Hezbollah fighters were stationed inside the subterranean complex when operations began.

Military sources told Maariv that 15 bodies were found inside the tunnels, while remaining operatives fled the complex, with several hit during their retreat.

Military officials said to Maariv that no Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) officers or Iranian advisors were present inside the tunnels at any stage of the operation.