Israeli forces have uncovered and secured an extensive tunnel network beneath the historic Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon, which had served as a significant stronghold for Hezbollah. The complex, stretching over a kilometer, featured living quarters, a stocked kitchen, modern showers, and a medical clinic, indicating a long-term strategic build-up.
This discovery comes as Israel and Lebanon continue U.S.-mediated border security negotiations. Israeli officials state that the tunnel network, along with a substantial cache of weaponry, demonstrates Hezbollah's disregard for UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which was intended to demilitarize southern Lebanon after the 2006 war.
The tunnel system took approximately 15 years to construct and provided Hezbollah operatives with a base from which to launch drones and long-range missiles into Israeli towns, including Metula. The weaponry found included anti-personnel mines, detonators, anti-aircraft machine guns, and long-range anti-tank missiles.
Captain B., an officer with the elite Yahalom engineering unit, indicated that the tunnel network was "masterminded, designed and funded by Iran." He noted that while many weapons were manufactured in Lebanon, "we do see a lot of Iranian footprints, also in design and also in the weaponry itself," adding that some mines were identified as being exclusively produced in Iran.
Beaufort Castle, historically known as Qalʿat al-Shaqīf, is a medieval fortress strategically positioned to overlook southern Lebanon and the border with Israel. Its control has been contested for centuries, with its recent use by Hezbollah making it a focal point in the current conflict.
Israeli commanders reported that securing operational control of Beaufort involved over a month of intense fighting. While many Hezbollah fighters were neutralized or captured, they warned that some may still be hidden within the remaining tunnel network. The primary strategic reasons for the tunnel's construction were to enable strikes into Israeli homes, located approximately 6 kilometers away, and to serve as a launching point for attacks.
Israeli officials also claim to have recovered documents from southern Lebanon suggesting Hezbollah had planned cross-border assaults similar to Hamas's October 7th attack, targeting areas like the Sea of Galilee. These alleged plans reportedly detailed methods for capturing civilians and attacking Israeli bases.
The ongoing conflict has displaced over one million residents in southern Lebanon and resulted in thousands of casualties, according to Lebanon's health ministry. Israel states it has killed approximately 3,000 Hezbollah fighters.
Israeli forces are continuing efforts to dismantle Hezbollah's military infrastructure in the region. The clearing of the underground complex is part of a broader objective to push the group further from Israel's northern border before any long-term security arrangements are finalized.