IDF Engineering Unit Leads Underground Battle Against Hezbollah Tunnels in Lebanon

Amir Bohbot, commander of the IDF's special engineering platoon S-2, detailed in an exclusive interview the intense underground combat against Hezbollah tunnels in southern Lebanon. Since October 7, the unit, formerly focused on bomb disposal, has specialized in locating, mapping, and destroying strategic tunnels used by Hezbollah and Iranian forces. These tunnels serve as long-term bases equipped with beds, food supplies, electricity, and even drone assembly workshops.

The commander described the challenges faced by soldiers entering tunnels, including clearing heavy blast doors weighing up to seven tons and navigating through hazardous conditions such as debris from prior airstrikes and the presence of large flies and foul odors. The unit employs advanced engineering solutions and protective gear to safely progress underground. A dedicated rescue team is always on standby to handle emergencies during these operations.

One significant tunnel destroyed was a 538-meter Iranian-built passage in Majdal Zun, which housed weapons and drone assembly facilities for Hezbollah’s Air Unit 127. The tunnels are not continuous but segmented, with multiple entrances serving different operational purposes such as command centers, rocket launch points, and observation posts. Hezbollah has adapted in real time by rerouting tunnels and removing weapons caches upon detecting IDF advances.

The destruction phase involves transporting and deploying hundreds of tons of explosives deep into enemy territory under constant threat from anti-tank weapons, drones, and enemy surveillance. In one night, 140 trucks delivered 84 tons of explosives, unloaded by 50 soldiers in a single operation. The commander emphasized the strategic importance of these tunnels as critical assets enabling Hezbollah’s underground warfare and expressed confidence that the ongoing campaign is striking at the organization’s nerve center.

The IDF’s accumulated expertise and advanced technology have transformed the engineering platoon into a leading force in subterranean warfare, pioneering operational concepts for the entire defense establishment. The commander urged continuation of the offensive to fully dismantle Hezbollah’s tunnel infrastructure, describing the current moment as critical and urging not to halt the progress.

Summary: The IDF’s special engineering unit is actively engaged in locating, mapping, and destroying Hezbollah’s extensive tunnel network in southern Lebanon, overcoming significant underground challenges. These tunnels serve as strategic bases for weapons and drone operations. The ongoing campaign involves complex engineering efforts and large-scale explosive deployments, aiming to severely disrupt Hezbollah’s subterranean capabilities.

Points: - IDF engineering platoon S-2 specializes in destroying Hezbollah tunnels since October 7. - Tunnels serve as long-term bases with weapons, drone workshops, and command centers. - Soldiers face heavy blast doors, debris, and hazardous conditions underground. - Rescue teams are on standby for emergencies during tunnel operations. - Hundreds of tons of explosives are transported and deployed under enemy threat. - The campaign aims to dismantle Hezbollah’s strategic underground assets.

Topic: security

Entities: {"people":["Amir Bohbot"],"organizations":["IDF","Hezbollah","Iranian forces","Hezbollah Air Unit 127"],"places":["southern Lebanon","Majdal Zun","Israel-Lebanon border"]}