Rapid battlefield developments in the central sector of southern Lebanon indicate that Israeli forces are attempting to execute a strategy focused on the Aita al-Shaab front. The objective is to encircle the city of Bint Jbeil, seize the elevated positions of Haddatha and Al-Tiri, and establish a connection between Beit Yahoun and Kounine. This mirrors the same operational approach used during the July 2006 war, aimed at reaching what is known as the “Liberation Square”.
The operation began with an advance from the northern outskirts of Aitaroun, at the junction linking Kounine, Aitaroun, and Blida, moving towards the eastern and northern edges of Aita al-Shaab. Israeli forces positioned themselves in the Friz area, the highest hill in Aita al-Shaab, and began sniper operations targeting Bint Jbeil Government Hospital. These movements coincided with further attempts to push directly from the eastern outskirts towards the Liberation Square.
Ambushes Reveal Structural Weaknesses
Heavy clashes were recorded in the Sadr and Friz areas, where the Israeli military confirmed the deaths of four soldiers from the Nahal Brigade and the critical injury of three others, including an officer. The casualties resulted from a well-executed ambush at Fraz Hill in the Ghadamatha area.
Field analysis highlights the strategic significance of this incident. Israeli forces have once again fallen into the same geographical trap that caused setbacks during the 2006 war. The elevated terrain in these areas remains highly vulnerable to close-range attacks, whether through machine gun fire, rocket strikes, or improvised explosive devices.
Terrain Continues to Dictate Operational Limits
From a manoeuvre standpoint, Israeli forces are attempting to approach the eastern entrance of Bint Jbeil via Jabal Kahil, located between Aitaroun and Maroun al-Ras, advancing towards the vocational institute building. A direct descent from the northern slopes of Maroun al-Ras is being avoided due to complete exposure to resistance fire.
Instead, forces are pushing from the triangle of Kounine, Aita al-Shaab, and Aitaroun towards Beit Yahoun, then onward to Kounine and Saf al-Hawa. There are also expectations of a northern advance towards Al-Tiri, located within the second defensive line, as well as towards Haddatha, which sits on the highest elevations in the central sector.
These movements reflect an ongoing attempt to shift the battlefield dynamic. However, they continue to be constrained by the harsh realities of southern Lebanon’s terrain and the effectiveness of tightly coordinated ambushes, leading to mounting losses and operational setbacks.
