The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Sunday dismantled an underground Hezbollah complex in Southern Lebanon, which the military stated contained hundreds of weapons and several rocket silos. The operation targeted an area known as Majdal Zoun, situated about five miles north of the Israeli border within a security zone controlled by the IDF.
The IDF stated that the underground complex was constructed using technology and expertise provided by Iran. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a joint statement confirming that the United States and its representative in Lebanon were informed in advance of the operation.
"The tunnel, which was over 200 meters [650 feet] long and more than 25 meters [80 feet] deep, contained hundreds of weapons and several launch silos intended to target the territory of the State of Israel and its citizens," the statement read. The destruction of the infrastructure resulted in explosions that sent plumes of smoke into the air over Majdal Zoun village.
This development follows a US-brokered framework agreement signed on Friday between Israel and Lebanon, which aims to remove Hezbollah from Southern Lebanon and dismantle associated infrastructure. Hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel renewed on March 2, with Hezbollah launching rocket and drone attacks from Southern Lebanon after the targeted killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in Tehran.
In response to the renewed attacks, Israel initiated a broad aerial campaign against Hezbollah targets and expanded military operations in Lebanon. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun had previously pledged to take all necessary measures to halt cross-border hostilities and move to outlaw the Iranian proxy.
Subsequent direct talks between Israeli and Lebanese officials at the U.S. State Department in Washington led to the framework of understandings. According to Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, Jerusalem has instructed the IDF to prepare for a prolonged presence in the security zone in Southern Lebanon. He emphasized that no Israeli redeployment from Southern Lebanon will occur until the Hezbollah organization is disarmed throughout Lebanon and the security of northern residents is guaranteed.