Israeli operations in southern Lebanon remain centered on consolidating control of a buffer security zone roughly 10 km deep, following the early September capture of the strategic Ali al-Taher Ridge near Nabatieh and clearance of associated Hezbollah tunnels. Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that this marks completion of that effort, with no territorial ambitions and no plans for further northward movement, though Israel will stay until Hezbollah is disarmed. Ongoing exchanges, including Hezbollah drone attacks and Israeli airstrikes on infrastructure in the south, have continued amid a fraying June framework agreement aimed at Lebanese army deployment and phased Israeli withdrawals. Past Israeli strikes have targeted Beirut suburbs such as Dahieh, but ground forces have not advanced toward the capital. Trader assessments of an entry by any near-term deadline reflect these limited operational objectives, persistent diplomatic constraints tied to U.S.-brokered talks, and the absence of public signals indicating an expanded campaign.