The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Thursday destroyed a significant network of terror tunnels in Lebanon’s Beaufort area, which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated Hezbollah planned to use to invade Israeli communities in the Galilee. The tunnels were demolished using approximately 700 tons of explosives as part of an ongoing operation to dismantle Hezbollah’s infrastructure in southern Lebanon.
Netanyahu described the operation as a response to what he termed Hezbollah’s “blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement” on Wednesday, asserting that Israel would not tolerate any such breaches. He added that any attempt by Hezbollah to harm Israeli forces or citizens would be met with a severe response.
The IDF confirmed on Friday that its forces had dismantled the tunnel network beneath Beaufort Ridge. The operation was conducted as part of a limited activity within the southern Lebanese security zone. The military stated that the tunnel complex served as a central command center for Hezbollah commanders directing combat operations and attacks against Israeli troops and civilians.
According to the IDF, the underground network, which took over two decades to build and was funded by Iran, comprised multiple subterranean levels and functioned as the primary command center for Hezbollah’s Bader Unit in southern Lebanon. The site, located approximately 3.7 miles from the Israeli town of Metula, posed a significant threat to northern Israeli communities.
During the recent conflict, Hezbollah operatives reportedly launched numerous drones, anti-tank missiles, and explosive devices from this underground infrastructure at Israeli civilians and IDF forces. The IDF reported destroying a significant portion of the tunnel network during the operation, with troops having maintained operational control of the complex for several weeks prior to its demolition.
Israeli forces continue to operate in the nearby Ali Taher Ridge area and remain on high alert for both defensive and offensive scenarios, according to the military. The IDF reiterated its commitment to the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon and its ongoing efforts to eliminate threats to its soldiers.