IDF destroys Iran-backed Hezbollah tunnel systems, says more remain in southern Lebanon
The tunnel network was intended not just for surveillance, but also to facilitate attacks on Israeli troops and communities near the Lebanon border.
Hezbollah's underground tunnel network in the Beaufort area and the Ali al-Taher Ridge, funded by Iran, was dismantled by Israel's Defense Forces (IDF) with the use of hundreds of tons of explosives, significantly weakening the terrorist organization, according to official data shared with Defense Minister Israel Katz on Sunday.
IDF Northern Command officers informed that they had known about the existence of these underground systems for years, used for surveillance, intelligence gathering, and direct fire against Israeli communities and military positions. The full extent of the network's criticality to Hezbollah's operational plan for attacking Israel became clear only after a comprehensive survey.
However, officers expressed concern that similar infrastructure remains in southern Lebanon, yet to be located or destroyed by the IDF. They highlighted that the Lebanese Armed Forces lack the capability to manage these sites, and without political authorization from Israel due to American restrictions, Hezbollah can continue to retain strategic assets.
Israeli Military Intelligence and the Northern Command comprehended the scale of the Iranian-led project in southern Lebanon and its strategic role in Hezbollah's plan to capture the Galilee, hold territory, and connect to other underground sites. The IDF has managed to strengthen its operational grip on Hezbollah's activity centers in southern Lebanon, even during the ceasefire.
A recent clash involving the Egoz Unit of the Commando Brigade saw Israeli troops engage Hezbollah operatives emerging from an underground compound. Despite an Egoz officer sustaining a moderate injury, the IDF successfully ambushed the operatives who were heading to collect food left by another Hezbollah cell. This incident will mark the first operational investigation led by newly appointed division commander Brig.-Gen. Manny Liberty, who will study the sequence of events and derive lessons for future operations.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
