Israel says ready for more strikes on Hezbollah after tunnel detonation

Jerusalem: Israel announced on Friday its readiness for additional strikes on Hezbollah following a massive explosion that destroyed a network of tunnels. Defence Minister Israel Katz stated in a video message that they are "ready and prepared to continue the campaign to strike Hezbollah at additional locations." The explosion occurred a week after Israeli troops claimed to have gained control of strategic highlands in southern Lebanon, solidifying their security zone.

The blast at Ali al-Taher ridge, a crucial location for Hezbollah, resulted in a significant fireball and a tremor equivalent to a 4.1 magnitude earthquake, as recorded by the US Geological Survey. Israeli authorities described the network of tunnels, built over two decades with Iranian support, as containing weapons and equipment capable of striking northern Israel.

Katz assured that Israel's promise of protection to northern residents had been fulfilled, emphasizing the heightened security zone and control over the area. The tunnel network, extending beyond 2km, housed Iranian-made rockets, missiles, and drones. Hezbollah, which formed to oppose an earlier Israeli occupation in southern Lebanon, intensified tensions by launching rockets at Israel in solidarity with Iran.

Lebanese authorities reported over 4,300 casualties resulting from Israeli military operations since March.