Israel threatens further strikes after demolishing parts of Hezbollah’s tunnel network under Ali al-Taher

Israel announced on Friday its readiness to launch additional strikes on Hezbollah following the demolition of a significant tunnel network beneath the Ali al-Taher ridge in southern Lebanon. Defence Minister Israel Katz declared Israel's intention to "continue striking Hezbollah and at additional locations," asserting that the operation had established a more robust security perimeter safeguarding communities in northern Israel and enabling Israeli forces to target Hezbollah deeper within Lebanon.

The Israeli military reported that the tunnel network, allegedly constructed over two decades with Iranian support, spanned more than two kilometres and housed numerous Iranian-made rockets, missiles, drones, and other weaponry, along with a command centre and living quarters. The explosion, occurring late Thursday, created a substantial fireball and registered as a 4.1-magnitude tremor, as recorded by the US Geological Survey.

This occurred roughly a week after Israeli troops claimed to have taken control of the strategic ridge as part of their efforts to fortify a security zone in southern Lebanon. Army chief Eyal Zamir cautioned that any Hezbollah assault on northern Israeli communities or Israeli troops would face an "immediate and forceful response," urging the Lebanese army to demonstrate its capabilities in southern Lebanon.

He warned that a lack of progress in this area could hinder progress on an agreement between Israel and Lebanon regarding the deployment of Lebanese forces. Ali al-Taher is situated near the edge of Israel's self-proclaimed security zone and in close proximity to the strategic Beaufort Castle.