IDF Demolishes Hezbollah Tunnel Network in Southern Lebanon

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) carried out a planned demolition of Hezbollah's tunnel infrastructure beneath the Ali Taher ridge in southern Lebanon on Tuesday evening. This operation, aimed at neutralizing strategic underground assets, resulted in loud explosions heard across northern Israel. A joint statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed the destruction of the tunnels, which they described as a "strategic terror infrastructure" built over two decades with Iranian funding and planning. The tunnels were intended to serve as a base for Hezbollah to infiltrate the Galilee and control observation points overlooking the Israeli towns of Metula and Kiryat Shmona. The IDF stated that this action completes the establishment of operational control over the Ali Taher ridge, both above and below ground, and that forces will remain in the area to prevent Hezbollah's resurgence.

Residents in northern Israel were alerted to expect significant explosions during the night due to the IDF's proactive operation. The regional council of Upper Galilee advised that the sounds might be audible in central Upper Galilee, the Ramim ridge, the Hula Valley, and the Golan Heights, emphasizing that there was no change in public safety instructions. The extensive underground network, which included command centers, weapons storage rooms, generator rooms, and living quarters, had been cleared of militants by IDF forces from Division 36 over recent weeks. The IDF reported last week that forces had achieved operational control over the ridge, both above and below ground, and had cleared two underground routes.

The demolition occurs amidst heightened tensions in the region, with Israel preparing for potential retaliation. Security assessments have explicitly considered the possibility of an Iranian offensive in response to the Israeli operation. The seismic impact of the explosions was registered by the Geological Institute, and the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure confirmed it as a controlled demolition, not an earthquake. Israeli officials are maintaining a state of "vigilance and readiness" during the upcoming holiday period, though there is no definitive information indicating an imminent response. Security forces are preparing for various scenarios, including actions by Hezbollah and potential Iranian responses, with Iran reportedly warning of significant retaliation if Israel escalates its actions.

Israel has indicated that any Iranian attack would likely elicit a response beyond Lebanon, though the current assessment suggests a low probability of widespread, direct escalation with Iran. Security officials are also preparing for more limited scenarios, such as a contained response or several days of conflict in the north. Prime Minister Netanyahu, visiting the Western Wall, addressed both the Iranian nuclear threat and the operation in Lebanon, vowing that Iran would not obtain nuclear weapons while he is prime minister. He stated that Israel is striking the "Iranian axis" in Lebanon, following previous actions against Hezbollah infrastructure like the Beaufort ridge.