Israel Destroys Hezbollah Tunnels in Southern Lebanon

The Israeli military announced on Thursday evening the completion of its operation to destroy Hezbollah's underground infrastructure in the Ali Taher mountain range in southern Lebanon, thereby securing a "security zone." Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz stated in a joint release that this strategic infrastructure, developed over two decades with Iranian funding and planning, was intended as a base for occupying the Galilee and controlled surveillance and fire over Metula and Kiryat Shmona. The destruction of these facilities, according to the statement, completes operational control over the area, both above and below ground.

Israeli forces are preparing to defend the region and prevent Hezbollah's return. The military will remain in the security zone, continuing to dismantle infrastructure and thwart any attempts by Hezbollah to re-establish its capabilities. In recent months, the 36th Division, including the Commando Brigade and the Yalam unit, intensified military pressure on Hezbollah elements within the Ali Taher tunnels. Commando fighters initially secured the surface area through ambushes and direct targeting of tunnel entrances using various weapons.

Hezbollah fighters attempting to flee or resupply were reportedly eliminated through air and artillery strikes. The operation neutralized Hezbollah's strategic underground infrastructure, which served as a primary command and control center for the "Badr" unit, and secured operational control over the Ali Taher heights, overlooking the Nabatieh region. Over 1,100 tons of explosives were used to destroy the tunnel network, which comprised eight underground passages totaling over 5,400 meters in length.

During the operation, Israeli forces discovered a cache of weapons within the tunnels, including dozens of explosive drones, unmanned aerial vehicles, machine guns, anti-tank missiles, hundreds of mines, RPGs, and other military equipment. The Israeli military spokesperson confirmed the completion of the destruction of the underground passages, neutralizing Hezbollah's ability to plan and execute attacks from the area. Reports from Lebanon indicated a 4.1 magnitude tremor resulting from the explosions in the Ali Taher range.