Israeli operations in Lebanon remain focused on consolidating a self-declared security zone in the south, most recently through the September capture and demolition of the Ali al-Taher ridge near Nabatieh, where forces dismantled an extensive Hezbollah underground complex. Defense Minister Israel Katz described the action as completing control over that zone, with no official signals of intent to advance northward toward Beirut. Earlier June strikes targeted Hezbollah sites in Beirut’s southern suburbs but stopped short of a ground entry after U.S. intervention. Fragile U.S.-brokered talks on phased Israeli withdrawal, Lebanese army deployment, and Hezbollah disarmament have been postponed into October amid continued violations and mutual accusations. Hezbollah leadership continues to reject the framework agreement and maintains rocket and drone activity. These developments keep trader focus on southern containment rather than deeper incursions into the capital.