IDF Destroys Hezbollah Tunnels in Southern Lebanon, Prepares for Retaliation

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Thursday the destruction of over two kilometers of Hezbollah's underground tunnel infrastructure in the Ali Taher ridge area of southern Lebanon. The operation involved detonating approximately 1,100 tons of explosives and was carried out shortly after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the Beaufort ridge had been cleared and Ali Taher was being addressed. The destruction of this strategic terror infrastructure, built over two decades with Iranian funding and planning, was intended to prevent Hezbollah from using it to attack northern Israeli communities like Metula and Kiryat Shmona.

Following the operation, the IDF heightened its alert levels for both defense and offense, anticipating a severe response from Hezbollah and Iran. A joint statement from Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz declared that the destruction of the Ali Taher infrastructure completes the establishment of the security zone in southern Lebanon. They asserted that Israel will continue to defend its northern residents from within Lebanon and will respond forcefully to any attacks on its citizens or forces.

IDF Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Efraim Dofin reported from the Ali Taher ridge that the tunnel network was built over twenty years with Iranian funding and guidance. He stated that IDF forces had recently encircled the area, increasing pressure on the tunnels and the militants within. Dofin added that all militants were either eliminated or fled, despite Hezbollah's claims to defend the infrastructure at all costs, and that Hezbollah abandoned its fighters. He acknowledged the heavy price paid by the IDF in securing the ridge, with fallen soldiers, dedicating the achievement to them.

Earlier, Iran had warned the United States of a large-scale attack if Israel launched a full operation to capture the Ali Taher ridge, where Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) members and Hezbollah operatives were reportedly entrenched. According to Reuters, citing three briefed sources, the warning was conveyed to Washington via Oman. One source indicated the message was passed in mid-August, and that Israel had postponed the operation on the Ali Taher ridge due to U.S. pressure. This report suggests direct and ongoing Iranian involvement in ground combat in southern Lebanon, with IRGC members present in a critical Hezbollah stronghold.