Israel and Hezbollah clash in southern Lebanon as prisoners are exchanged

In early September 2026, the Israeli military said it took control of the Ali Taher hill, a strategic Hezbollah position in southern Lebanon, and cleared fighters from tunnels under a key ridge. At the same time, Israel released several Lebanese civilians, and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) transferred five of them to Lebanon, with four more detainees handed over later. The moves came amid ongoing clashes: Hezbollah launched an explosive drone at Israeli troops, and Israel responded with strikes on southern Lebanon, killing at least three people and wounding over 20, according to Lebanese reports.