Israel says south Lebanon 'security zone' complete after blowing up Hezbollah tunnels

Israel's military demolished Hezbollah tunnels under the Ali Al Taher ridge in southern Lebanon on Thursday night, completing the establishment of the security zone, according to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office. The explosion in Nabatieh and its region caused significant tremors and a loud bang, as reported by Lebanon's National News Agency.

The Israeli military utilized over 1,000 tonnes of explosives to destroy two tunnels, extending more than 2km. Last week, Israel announced the clearance of Hezbollah fighters from the area, with some killed and others escaping. In a joint statement by Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz, the Ali Al Taher ridge was described as containing "strategic terrorist infrastructure built over two decades, with Iranian funding and planning."

Its destruction marked the completion of operational control over the ridge from above and below ground. Netanyahu and Katz emphasized that the terror infrastructure and command center on the ridge were designed to serve as a staging base for the conquest of the Galilee, with observation and fire dominance over Metula and Kiryat Shmona. They stated that Israeli forces would continue to occupy southern Lebanon in the "security zone."