Israel has destroyed a key tunnel network in southern Lebanon constructed by the Hezbollah group, an operation that reportedly used 1,100 tons of explosives and caused a 4.1-magnitude tremor. The blast illuminated the night sky with flames and smoke over Lebanon on Thursday.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Thursday evening that the Ali al-Taher ridge in southern Lebanon had been demolished. Footage released by Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz depicted dark night skies lit by orange fire as smoke emanated from the destroyed tunnels. Katz captioned the video, "We promised and we delivered. The terrorists were eliminated and the Ali Taher tunnels were destroyed. Kudos to the IDF."
Israeli sources indicated that dozens of Hezbollah fighters were killed within the tunnels, which have been a focal point in the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. A joint statement from Netanyahu and Katz described the tunnels as "strategic terrorist infrastructure that was built over two decades, with Iranian funding and planning." The statement further noted that the destruction "completes the achievement of operational control over the Ali al-Taher ridge - above and below ground."
The United States Geological Survey registered a 4.1-magnitude tremor in the affected area. Lebanon's state-run National News Agency reported a "massive explosion" on the Ali al-Taher ridge in the Nabatieh region, which caused tremors and a significant rumble.
Journalists in southern Lebanon also reported hearing "huge explosions" on Thursday evening, with one resident describing how "everything shook."
The Israeli army stated that the Hezbollah infrastructure spanned over two kilometers (1.2 miles) and contained numerous Iranian-made rockets, missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles, anti-tank missiles, and explosive devices. The underground complex also housed a command center for Hezbollah's 'Badr' unit.
A military official reported that some militants in the area had evacuated, while others were "eliminated by aerial strikes and artillery fire." Israel had announced the capture of the Ali al-Taher ridge the previous week. The ridge, located approximately 15 kilometers (10 miles) from the Israeli border, offers a commanding view of southeastern Lebanon.
Hezbollah became involved in the regional conflict in March in support of Iran. Following an understanding reached between Iran and the United States in June, and a subsequent agreement between Lebanon and Israel, there had been a lull in hostilities. However, recent strikes have increased in intensity.
According to a source close to the negotiations, the United States, which facilitated the talks, proposed that the Lebanese army assume control of the Ali al-Taher ridge, a proposal Hezbollah rejected.
Lebanese authorities report that Israeli strikes since March have resulted in over 4,300 deaths, and Israeli forces maintain control of a designated 'security zone' in the south. The Ali al-Taher ridge was occupied by the Israeli military from 1982 to 2000. Hezbollah is believed to have developed an extensive underground network in the area after the Israeli withdrawal.
Reuters reported earlier in September that Iran had cautioned the United States against an Israeli strike on the ridge.