Israel Demolishes Hezbollah Tunnels in Lebanon, Warns Iran

The Israeli military (IDF) on Thursday evening, September 10, concluded a major operation to destroy Hezbollah's strategic underground infrastructure on the Al-Taher mountain ridge in southern Lebanon. Following extensive preparatory work, IDF forces detonated over 1,100 tons of explosives, collapsing more than 2 kilometers of tunnels that had been under construction for two decades with Iranian funding and planning. The tunnels, part of a larger complex spanning over 5.4 kilometers, served as a command center and base for attacks, including observation and firing positions targeting Israeli towns like Metula and Kiryat Shmona. Residents in southern Lebanon reported feeling tremors from the explosions, while northern Israeli communities were alerted to potential noise.

In a joint statement, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz declared the operation completed the establishment of a security zone in southern Lebanon, asserting Israeli control over the Al-Taher ridge both above and below ground. They vowed to prevent Hezbollah's resurgence in the area and promised a strong response to any attacks on Israeli citizens or forces. The IDF stated its commitment to the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon while continuing to eliminate threats.

The IDF reported discovering dozens of Iranian-made rockets, drones, machine guns, anti-tank missiles, and explosives within the tunnel complex, which also included command posts, armories, and living quarters. The operation, which involved engineering and commando units, continued even after a ceasefire was declared, following Hezbollah drone attacks. Some Hezbollah operatives were killed, while others fled.

Amidst the operation, Israeli security officials expressed concerns about a potential Iranian response, with media reports suggesting Tehran had warned of severe repercussions. While acknowledging the possibility of direct or limited Iranian attacks, Israel assessed the likelihood of full-scale escalation as low. Defense Minister Katz issued a stark warning to Iran, stating that any attack would remove Israeli restraints, leading to strikes on all infrastructure and a return to the "stone age." He also reiterated that Israel would not withdraw from the security zone until Hezbollah was disarmed and the threat to northern Israel eliminated.