Israel says ready for more strikes on Hezbollah after tunnel detonation

Jerusalem - Israel declared readiness for additional strikes against Hezbollah following a massive explosion that demolished tunnels constructed by the Iran-backed group in southern Lebanon. Defense Minister Israel Katz announced the preparedness in a video message, hinting at further operations targeting Hezbollah in different locations.

The explosion occurred a week after Israeli troops claimed to have secured strategic highlands, solidifying their control of a security zone in southern Lebanon. The blast, registering a magnitude 4.1 on the US Geological Survey, caused significant damage, with a massive fireball visible.

This development followed the Israeli troops' seizure of strategic highlands in southern Lebanon, where Hezbollah maintained its command center, living quarters, and weapons stockpile to strike northern Israel. The military operations aimed to strike fear into Hezbollah and protect Israeli communities from direct attacks.

Israel claims the tunnel network, built over two decades with Iran's assistance, extended over 2km, housing Iranian-made rockets, missiles, drones, and other weaponry. The Ali al-Taher ridge, situated near the Unesco-listed Beaufort castle, played a crucial role in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.