Israeli army plans to destroy Ali Al-Taher tunnels, withdraw from southern Lebanon positions

The Israeli army is preparing in the coming days to demolish two underground routes beneath the Ali Al-Taher heights in Nabatieh district, southern Lebanon, according to Israeli public broadcaster reports on Sunday citing military sources.

The sources indicated that no armed militants remain alive inside the complex beneath the heights, and the Israeli army is expected to begin withdrawing from parts of the security belt it established in southern Lebanon after destroying the tunnels.

Withdrawal plan details and military positions

The broadcaster noted that the withdrawal plan will be presented this week to the commander of the Israeli army’s Northern Command for approval, before being referred to the political leadership for final authorization.

The plan calls for Israeli forces to pull back beyond the “yellow line” after destroying the Ali Al-Taher tunnels, repositioning between two and four kilometers from the Israeli border. It also includes establishing around 20 permanent military sites along what is known as the “gray line.”

Areas vacated by Israeli forces will be monitored, including any militant activity, using aerial surveillance and air force drones, but there will be no direct Israeli military presence in those locations.

Israeli messages and negotiations on civilian return

Meanwhile, Israel has conveyed messages to the Lebanese government via the United States, stating it will not permit Lebanese civilians to return to areas from which the Israeli army withdraws.

According to the Israeli broadcaster, the issue of Lebanese civilians returning to their villages will be addressed exclusively within negotiations between Israel and Lebanon, which are set to resume next week in Rome.