IDF Destroys Hezbollah's Underground Infrastructure in Southern Lebanon

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Thursday the destruction of Hezbollah's underground infrastructure in the Al-Taher mountain range in southern Lebanon. The military also released new footage from combat operations in the Beaufort mountain range. Over two kilometers of tunnels were demolished using approximately 1,100 tons of explosives, an operation that took two decades to build and was funded and directed by Iran. According to a joint statement from the Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, these tunnels were intended to serve as a base for Hezbollah to conquer the Galilee and control observation and firing positions overlooking northern Israeli towns.

IDF forces had surrounded the area in recent months, increasing pressure on the tunnel routes and the militants entrenched within. Brigadier General Efraim Daffin, IDF spokesperson, stated that all militants within the infrastructure were either eliminated or fled. He acknowledged the heavy price paid in casualties during the battles to capture and clear the mountain range, dedicating the achievements to the fallen soldiers.

Minister of Defense Israel Katz stated that the IDF was instructed at the start of the campaign to maneuver into Lebanon up to the Litani River to remove threats of raids and direct fire on Israeli communities. He emphasized the necessity of completing the operation at Al-Taher mountain, which he described as filled with ammunition and threatening equipment. Katz asserted that a strong security zone now exists, protecting the communities and allowing Israel to control and threaten Hezbollah deep within Lebanese territory, while remaining prepared for further action.

Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, visited the area after forces under the 36th Division command completed the destruction of Hezbollah's underground facilities. He described the Al-Taher mountain range infrastructure as Hezbollah's central command, control, and combat base, built with Iranian assistance. Zamir vowed that Hezbollah would not be allowed to rebuild its capabilities in the area and that any harm to northern communities or IDF forces would be met with an immediate and powerful response. He also called on the Lebanese army to demonstrate effectiveness on the ground, warning that progress on an agreement between Israel and Lebanon would be hindered otherwise.

Following the destruction of the infrastructure, IDF alert levels were raised for both defense and offense due to threats from Iran and Hezbollah to retaliate. The IDF stated that forces would remain in the area to prevent Hezbollah's return and the rebuilding of its capabilities. This operation occurred shortly after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's statement from the Western Wall, where he reiterated his commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and highlighted ongoing Israeli actions against the Iranian axis in Gaza and Lebanon.