IDF Strikes Southern Lebanon, Aims to Destroy Hezbollah Tunnels

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are conducting airstrikes in southern Lebanon, including in the Nabatieh area, as they aim to dismantle remaining Hezbollah terror infrastructure around the Al-Taher mountain ridge. The military stated that most militants previously trapped in these tunnels have been killed. Lebanese reports indicated strikes in the villages of Marjayoun and Mansouri.

Following the destruction of the infrastructure, IDF forces are expected to redeploy defensive lines along the border. This operation is described as sensitive, with a desire to avoid impacting the existing agreement with Lebanon while simultaneously denying Hezbollah strategic assets. The IDF announced six days prior that it had completed clearing the underground tunnels on the Al-Taher ridge and was working to neutralize them.

Forces from the 36th Division were involved in clearing two underground routes in the area, achieving operational control above and below ground and clearing the territory of militants. According to the IDF, some militants were eliminated, while others fled. The IDF stated that the neutralization of the cleared underground infrastructure is ongoing, after which the IDF will re-establish its defensive posture.

The underground facilities included command centers, weapons storage rooms, generator rooms, living quarters, showers, and kitchens, which allowed militants to conduct combat operations and stay for extended periods. The IDF described this as strategic infrastructure built over two decades, funded and designed by the Iranian regime. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu previously stated that "many, many terrorists were eliminated there."

Control of the ridge was achieved through ambushes, shaft attacks, grenades, drones, and artillery fire. The Badr unit militants built the infrastructure with joint funding and planning from Iran, which was used to manage fire systems, fight IDF forces, and carry out terror attacks against Israeli civilians over recent decades. Concurrently, Iran warned the United States last month that it would "respond forcefully" to an Israeli attack on the Al-Taher ridge, claiming Iranian military personnel were present alongside Hezbollah operatives. This message, according to Reuters, highlighted Iran's direct involvement in the fighting and its readiness to retaliate against Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon.