Israel Denies Reports on Iranian Officers Trapped in Ali Taher
Israel denies reports of Iranian officers at Ali Taher ridge in Lebanon, stating the compound has no IRGC personnel since IDF operations began.
Jerusalem, 3 September, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Israeli security officials insist there is no known Iranian presence at the Ali Taher ridge in southern Lebanon, Israeli media reported Thursday. They acknowledge the compound was built with Iranian support, but say no Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) personnel have been stationed there since the IDF began operating in the area. Israel believes only a few Hezbollah operatives remain.
However, Reuters reported that Iran warned the United States in late August that it would respond forcefully to an Israeli offensive against the ridge, where Iranian personnel are reportedly stationed with Hezbollah fighters. Regional sources said at least two senior IRGC officers are there and that Tehran conveyed the warning through Oman.
The strategic ridge overlooks southeastern Lebanon. Hezbollah reportedly built an underground command center and weapons depots there. The IDF controls areas south of the ridge and has sought to cut supply routes to Hezbollah.