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 terror organization's subterranean infrastructure, completing the establishment of a security zone in southern Lebanon.

According to the statement, the destroyed tunnels were a strategic terror infrastructure built over two decades with Iranian funding and planning. These facilities, including command centers, were intended to serve as a base for conquering the Galilee and controlling observation points and fire over the Israeli towns of Metula and Kiryat Shmona. The IDF stated that the destruction achieves operational control over the Ali Taher ridge, both above and below ground. IDF forces are positioned to defend the area and prevent the enemy's return.

"The IDF will remain in the security zone, continue to destroy terror infrastructure, and thwart any attempt by the Hezbollah terror organization to re-establish itself and restore its capabilities," the statement read. "The State of Israel will continue to defend the northern communities from within Lebanon, and any attempt to harm our citizens and our forces will be met with might."

Prior to the operation, local authorities in northern Israel alerted residents to expected significant explosions from preemptive IDF activity. The Upper Galilee Regional Council advised that the sounds might be heard in central Upper Galilee, the Ramim ridge, the Hula Valley, and the Golan Heights, emphasizing there was no change in public safety instructions. The tunnels, cleared by IDF forces over recent weeks, contained command posts, weapons storage, generator rooms, living quarters, and kitchens.

The demolition occurs amid heightened tensions and Israeli preparations for potential retaliation, including from Iran. Senior Israeli officials noted that contingency plans are in place for both Hezbollah and Iranian responses, with Iran having issued warnings against Israeli actions in the region. Israel has indicated that any Iranian attack would elicit a response not necessarily limited to Lebanon. While a broad escalation with Iran is considered less likely, security forces are preparing for various scenarios, including limited responses or several days of conflict in the north.

Prime Minister Netanyahu, visiting the Western Wall, addressed the Iranian threat and the Lebanon operation, reaffirming his commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. He stated, "We are striking the Iranian axis, not only in the Gaza Strip very hard, but also in Lebanon. We destroyed the Beaufort ridge and are now dealing with the Ali Taher ridge," concluding with a message that "more is to come."