Israel Prepares to Destroy Hezbollah Tunnels in Southern Lebanon

An Israeli airstrike targeting a vehicle in Nabatieh, southern Lebanon, reportedly killed three people on Tuesday evening, though the Israeli military has not commented on these specific reports. The military did confirm, however, that its air force struck a Hezbollah headquarters located in a former hospital building in Nabatieh al-Fawqa, stating that Hezbollah elements were using the site for military activities. Lebanese sources identified one of the fatalities as a local Hezbollah commander named Ibrahim Ghaddar.

In parallel, the Israeli military is preparing to destroy two underground tunnels beneath the Al-Tahir area in the coming days, following operations where the army stated no militants remained alive. This action is expected to precede a gradual withdrawal from the security zone in southern Lebanon.

These developments follow an incident where two explosive drones were launched towards Israeli forces in Al-Tahir, causing no casualties. The Israeli military responded with extensive airstrikes across southern Lebanon.

The planned withdrawal involves the military moving from the "Blue Line" to a new defense line situated 2 to 4 kilometers from the border, establishing approximately 20 permanent military positions. Israel has informed the Lebanese government, via the United States, that residents will not be permitted to return to the evacuated areas at this time. The issue of resident return is expected to be discussed in direct negotiations between Israel and Lebanon, scheduled to resume next week in Rome.