IDF Destroys Hezbollah's 'Tunnel City' in Southern Lebanon

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Thursday destroyed a significant Hezbollah tunnel network in the Ali Taher mountain range in southern Lebanon, using approximately 1,100 tons of explosives. The operation, which involved months of intense ground and subterranean efforts by units including the 36th Division, Commando Brigade, and the Yahalom unit, culminated in a massive explosion that was felt as a 4.1 magnitude earthquake and heard for miles.

This subterranean complex, built over two decades with Iranian funding and guidance, was intended to serve as a central base for Hezbollah's plans to conquer parts of northern Israel's Galilee region. The IDF dismantled about 5.4 kilometers of tunnels, described as some of Hezbollah's deepest and most complex in southern Lebanon. During the operation, eight underground sites were discovered, containing command centers, weapons storage, generators, and living quarters. The IDF also seized a large cache of weapons, including explosive drones, anti-tank missiles, machine guns, and mines.

IDF Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Effi Dofin stated that the tunnel network was built over twenty years with Iranian backing, and despite Hezbollah's vow to defend it at all costs, most operatives were either killed or fled. He acknowledged the heavy price paid by IDF soldiers in capturing the ridge, emphasizing their crucial role in the mission's success.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a joint statement, declaring that the destruction of the tunnels completes the operational control of the Ali Taher ridge, both above and below ground. They affirmed that the IDF will maintain a security zone in southern Lebanon, continue to destroy terror infrastructure, and prevent any Hezbollah resurgence.

Security forces are on high alert for potential retaliation from Iran or Hezbollah, including rocket fire, drone attacks, or a multi-front conflict. Israeli officials have warned that any Iranian intervention would be met with a response far exceeding the Lebanese theater. The IDF views the destruction of the Ali Taher complex not only as an unprecedented engineering feat but also as a strategic blow, eliminating a key Hezbollah asset and removing a significant threat to Israel's northern communities.