IDF Demolishes Major Hezbollah Tunnel in Southern Lebanon, Netanyahu and Katz Announce

The Israel Defense Forces has completed the demolition of a significant Hezbollah underground facility in southern Lebanon, an operation officially confirmed by the Prime Minister and Defense Minister on Sunday night. The tunnel, which spanned over 200 meters in length and reached depths of more than 25 meters, was reportedly used by Hezbollah to store hundreds of weapons and maintain launch shafts directed at Israeli civilian centers.

Strategic Demolition

According to a joint statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz, the operation—referred to in some reports as 'End of Verse' and in others as 'Operation Rising Lion' (עם כלביא)—targeted a strategic asset in the village of Majdal Zoun. The IDF utilized a large quantity of explosives to ensure the total destruction of the route, which was designed for the assembly and launch of Iranian-made UAVs and other munitions. Following the initial demolition, the IDF reportedly detonated additional explosive materials discovered within the site to neutralize any remaining threats.

Diplomatic and Security Context

Israel informed the United States and the American representative to Lebanon in advance of the demolition. This transparency occurs as the IDF continues to maintain strategic security zones in southern Lebanon to prevent the reconstruction of terror infrastructure near the border. Defense Minister Katz has previously emphasized that the IDF will systematically thwart Hezbollah's tunnel-building efforts as part of a broader policy to ensure the safety of Israel's northern communities.

Analysis and Outlook

The discovery and destruction of such a deep and well-equipped facility underscore the extent of Hezbollah's underground investment in southern Lebanon. While the IDF continues to operate against these sites, the presence of launch shafts within the tunnel indicates a persistent intent by the Iranian-backed group to maintain offensive capabilities despite ongoing military pressure. Observers note that the demolition of such 'drone tunnels' is a critical component of Israel's effort to degrade Hezbollah's tactical advantages in the current multi-front conflict.