IDF Uncovers Hezbollah Command Tunnel 8 Km Inside Lebanon Near Metula

On a recent operation, an Israeli news correspondent joined the IDF's Givati Brigade Sabra Battalion to explore a Hezbollah terror tunnel located eight kilometers inside Lebanon, near the border with Israel. The tunnel was discovered beneath a seemingly innocent clothing store in the Shiite village of al-Khiyam, a known Hezbollah stronghold. The operation took place following intense ground maneuvers in the area, which left al-Khiyam largely destroyed and evacuated of civilians.

The tunnel entrance was concealed under the concrete floor of the store, which was officially presented as a charity clothing shop. The IDF had engaged Hezbollah fighters in fierce close-quarters combat at this site before uncovering the tunnel. The underground passage extends about 30 meters below ground and features advanced infrastructure including air conditioning, internet, large food and medical supplies, batteries, and a fully equipped command center. This tunnel was designed to allow Hezbollah operatives to stay underground for extended periods and launch anti-tank missile attacks against Israeli forces before retreating back underground.

A senior IDF officer emphasized that this tunnel was not detected by any prior intelligence or aerial surveillance and was only discovered through ground combat and the soldiers' resourcefulness. The officer noted Hezbollah's common tactic of hiding weapons and fighters within civilian homes, but described this tunnel as unusually sophisticated compared to previous tunnels found in Gaza and Lebanon.

The IDF now controls the strategic ridge around al-Khiyam, which directly threatens the Israeli border town of Metula. The officer stated that the area was previously a major threat to Israeli civilians, with Hezbollah fighters firing directly from these buildings. The IDF's presence deep inside Lebanese territory marks a shift in tactics, aiming to prevent future border skirmishes by operating far from Israeli towns. The commanding officer concluded that the IDF intends to maintain a long-term presence in this area, a lesson drawn from the events of October 7.

This report provides rare visual and descriptive documentation of Hezbollah's underground infrastructure and highlights the ongoing security challenges along the Israel-Lebanon border.