Israel will respond to a Hezbollah drone strike that hit an IDF bulldozer overnight between Tuesday and Wednesday, according to an Israeli source familiar with the matter who spoke to The Jerusalem Post on Wednesday afternoon. The source added that talks are currently being held regarding the exact nature of the response.
Earlier on Wednesday, the IDF Northern Command confirmed the overnight strike. The military stated that the attack occurred in the area of the Ali Taher Ridge and called the incident a “blatant violation” of the ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah.
Ali Taher Ridge and Security Zone Operations
The targeted site sits at the edge of Israel’s security zone, a highland featuring a 600-meter elevation located in Nabatiya, north of the Litani River. The IDF reported that about a month ago, troops killed armed Hezbollah operatives at the exact same ridge in two separate incidents after those fighters approached military positions there.
Alongside the drone strike developments, the military announced on Wednesday that IDF troops operating in southern Lebanon have located various weapons belonging to Hezbollah over the past few days. Recovered items include Kalashnikovs, RPGs, explosives, and grenades. The IDF noted that this sweep for hidden arms is taking place across multiple locations within the security belt area where troops are actively operating.
Clashes in Ras el-Bayada and Tunnel Destruction in Haddatha
In a separate engagement, the IDF stated that troops in the area of Ras el-Bayada—located about 10 kilometers north of Rosh Hanikra—fired toward a suspect who “approached the forces in a threatening manner.” The military announcement noted that the individual continued to get closer despite direct calls to stop, though the update provided no further clarifications regarding the suspect’s identity or condition.
Meanwhile, in Haddatha, also situated in the Nabatiya area, IDF troops destroyed an underground route that the military identified as a Hezbollah command center. According to the IDF, the subterranean passage spanned 55 meters in length, contained three rooms, and sat approximately 300 meters away from a UNIFIL building. The military added that nearby troops also uncovered an underground tunnel shaft containing dozens of weapons in the immediate vicinity.
Implications and Potential Next Steps
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