Why Hezbollah trusts in a 'Maginot Line' defense at Ali al-Taher ridge – analysis

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on September 3 that they had cleared the Ali al-Taher ridge in southern Lebanon, a key Hezbollah stronghold. The 36th Division spent weeks neutralizing two underground routes, achieving operational control both above and below ground. This strategic underground network, built over two decades with Iranian funding, contained command centers, weapons storage, and living quarters, enabling terrorists to operate for extended periods. Defense Minister Israel Katz stated, "the mission was completed and the tunnels were cleared of terrorists." The fall of this site, located approximately 10 kilometers from the Israeli border, gained international attention, with France24 noting Israel's seizure despite a ceasefire. While Hezbollah invested in these static fortifications, likened to a "Maginot Line," the IDF's sustained efforts ultimately led to its defeat, demonstrating that underground defenses alone cannot ensure victory against a prolonged assault.