IDF General Details Hezbollah Tunnel Network Destruction in Southern Lebanon

Brigadier General Efi Dofin, spokesperson for the IDF, recently toured Hezbollah's extensive underground tunnel network beneath the Ali Taher ridge in southern Lebanon. Following the Northern Command and 36th Division's operational control of the ridge, Dofin stated that the destruction and neutralization of these tunnels, built over two decades with Iranian funding and guidance, are now being completed. He described the network as a central command complex and the "nerve center" for Hezbollah's Badr unit, which managed fighting in southern Lebanon during past operations and the current conflict.

Dofin explained that the destruction of these infrastructures concluded a ground maneuver that involved deception and surprise. Forces from the 36th Division captured the Beaufort ridge from an unexpected direction after crossing the Litani River, catching Hezbollah off guard. Following this, commando brigades and engineering forces from the Yahalom unit meticulously cleared and prepared the tunnels for destruction.

Over recent months, Israeli forces encircled the area, intensifying pressure on the tunnels and the militants entrenched within. Hezbollah fighters attempting to abandon or resupply those inside were eliminated by air and ground strikes, while others trying to escape were killed in close-quarters combat or ambushes. All militants within the tunnels were either killed or fled, despite Hezbollah's vow to defend the infrastructure at all costs.

During the operation, Israeli forces discovered numerous weapons left behind by Hezbollah, which Dofin presented as further proof of the organization's role as an arm of the Iranian regime. He asserted that Iran, through its proxies, aims to harm Israel's security and destabilize the region. "Our mission is now complete. The underground routes have been neutralized and destroyed," Dofin declared.

He acknowledged the heavy price of the fighting, including the loss of Israeli soldiers during the capture and clearing of the ridge. Dofin extended wishes for a speedy recovery to the wounded, attributing the achievements to their efforts. He pledged that the IDF would continue to defend northern Israeli communities and neutralize all threats along all borders, acting as a barrier to protect Israeli citizens and forces.