IDF Brigade 7 Details Eight Months of Combat and Tunnel Discoveries in Lebanon

After eight months of operations in Lebanon, commanders from Brigade 7 have revealed details of their combat, including the discovery and destruction of extensive underground infrastructure. The brigade, comprising the 13th Battalion (Golani), the 75th Armored Battalion, and the 603rd Engineering Battalion, crossed into Lebanon on March 8, following a surprise call-up in late February. Their initial assault targeted the Rabeh al-Thalathine area under difficult weather conditions, facing anti-tank threats.

Commanders highlighted the crucial cooperation between the units, forged during previous combat in Gaza. "Battalion 13 and Battalion 75 already know each other very well," stated Col. M., commander of the 13th Battalion. "We fought together in Gaza, and when we go into an attack, I know exactly who is behind me and what he can do." This synergy proved vital as they advanced towards the village of Qantara, approximately eight kilometers from the border, an area heavily exposed to anti-tank missiles, mortar fire, and explosive drones.

During the advance on Qantara, infantry soldiers from the 13th Battalion moved ahead on foot at night to minimize tank exposure. Despite mortar fire that wounded four soldiers, the troops continued their mission to clear a path for the tanks. "I knew that if we didn't manage to open the axis for them in time, Battalion 75 would have to enter in daylight, with its soldiers exposed to anti-tank fire, and that was out of the question," explained the battalion commander.

Beneath Qantara, forces uncovered a vast Hezbollah underground network. Initially, they found a system hundreds of meters long, followed by another nearly two kilometers in length, which commanders believe could have housed hundreds of operatives. "These are not tunnels where you enter and find one or two rooms," said Col. A., commander of the 75th Battalion. "These are enormous infrastructures, with the capacity for hundreds of operatives. When you see this, you understand how many resources the enemy invested in this area."

The destruction of these tunnels required extensive preparation and the use of large quantities of explosives. Col. R., commander of the 603rd Engineering Battalion, noted that even with years of experience destroying tunnels in Gaza, the Lebanese systems were on another level due to their size, complexity, and the challenging rocky terrain. Simultaneously, engineering forces spent months clearing routes and preparing them for tanks and infantry to advance towards the Litani River and the Beaufort mountain range, dealing with obstacles, mines, and booby traps.

The 13th Battalion continued its advance to the Saluki River, a location of historical significance for Golani fighters, before conducting a night raid. Armored units also pushed north, navigating steep mountain routes and facing anti-tank threats. The commanders emphasized that their prior familiarity with each other was a key factor in successfully tackling these complex missions, enabling them to penetrate deep into Lebanon and destroy years of enemy infrastructure.