Hizballah Remains a Threat, Just One of a Different Kind

In Jerusalem yesterday, Prime Minister Netanyahu met with Mike Huckabee, the U.S. ambassador to Israel, and Michael Issa, the U.S. ambassador to Lebanon, presumably in preparation for the next round of American-brokered talks between Israel and Lebanon. Meanwhile, the Lebanese president has been pleading with Hizballah—to no avail—to withdraw its forces from the strategic Ali Taher Ridge, located just north of the Litani River. The ridge overlooks northern Israel and the IDF forces in southern Lebanon, controls important supply routes, and contains vast subterranean fortifications used by Hizballah fighters. The IDF struck positions in the area on Saturday, and since June has been trying to cut it off and degrade its defenses.