The Israeli military reported on Saturday that it killed several members of Hezbollah overnight on the Ali al-Taher ridge, a strategically significant hilltop approximately six miles north of Israel’s border in southern Lebanon. The incident marks a notable escalation in a region where a fragile ceasefire between Israel and the Iran-backed militant group has been repeatedly challenged in recent weeks.

According to the Israeli military, the operation took place within an Israeli-designated area where its forces were conducting activities. An Israeli soldier was reportedly wounded during the clash. Hezbollah did not immediately confirm or comment on the Israeli claims.

The clash occurred amid ongoing tensions despite a separate ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States between Israel and Lebanon to end months of hostilities in southern Lebanon. Under this agreement, Israel is to gradually withdraw from parts of southern Lebanon currently occupied by its forces. However, Hezbollah has rejected the arrangement, arguing that it effectively permits Israel’s continued military presence in the area. The group also insists it will not disarm unless Israel fully withdraws.

The United Nations has reported frequent violent incidents in southern Lebanon, including airstrikes, artillery shelling, demolitions, and the use of sonic grenades. Saturday’s Israeli announcement of Hezbollah fatalities was the first such confirmation since mid-July, raising concerns over a potential re-escalation of wider hostilities.

The broader conflict reignited in early March following a Hezbollah attack on Israel, reportedly coordinated to show solidarity with Iran after strikes by U.S. and Israeli forces escalated tensions between Iran and Israel. The ongoing fighting has resulted in over 4,300 deaths in Lebanon. Israeli officials say the conflict has also claimed the lives of more than 30 Israeli soldiers and at least four civilians.

The Ali al-Taher ridge has emerged as a critical frontline in recent months. Both Lebanese and Israeli sources contend that Hezbollah has established a significant underground facility beneath the ridge, which Israel alleges has served as a command hub for planning and launching attacks against Israeli territory. Last week, the Israeli military said Hezbollah deployed an explosive drone against an Israeli vehicle on the ridge, though a Hezbollah spokesperson denied involvement and accused Israel of using “false pretexts” for its military actions.

This area lies roughly three miles north of the Beaufort Castle, a historic Crusader fortress that Israel captured on May 31. On Friday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz announced the destruction of what they described as Hezbollah’s “terrorist tunnels” near the ridge, asserting these tunnels were integral to the group’s plans to infiltrate northern Israeli communities.

Until recently, the Ali al-Taher ridge was outside the boundary—marked by a “yellow line” on Israeli maps—that Israel considered part of its legitimate military operational zone inside southern Lebanon. This boundary was extended in June to include the ridge, effectively broadening the scope of Israeli force authorization.

The U.S.-brokered deal envisions the Lebanese Armed Forces taking over security responsibilities in the areas vacated by Israel to enable displaced residents to return. Discussions aimed at fine-tuning the plan are expected to continue in Rome this week. Initial “pilot zones,” which encompass three villages, will test the framework’s implementation.

While the agreement represents a step toward de-escalation, it has faced criticism within Lebanon for lacking a fixed timeline for Israel’s withdrawal and for hinging on the Lebanese government’s uncertain efforts to disarm Hezbollah—an objective that has yet to be realized.