Israeli media outlet Ynetnews reported Friday morning that the extensive tunnel network destroyed by the IDF in the Beaufort area of southern Lebanon was designed as part of Hezbollah's invasion plan for northern Israeli communities. The IDF officially announced the operation early Friday, stating that approximately 700 tons of explosives were used to neutralize the underground infrastructure.
Israeli media outlet Ynetnews reported Friday morning that the Hezbollah terror tunnel network destroyed by the IDF in the Beaufort area of southern Lebanon was designed as part of the group's planned invasion of northern Israeli communities. The report came hours after the IDF officially announced the operation, which used approximately 700 tons of explosives to neutralize the underground infrastructure.
The IDF first confirmed the destruction at around 00:10 Jerusalem Friday, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz stating that the network, built over two decades with Iranian funding, served as a central command center for Hezbollah's Badr unit. The military said the operation was carried out in response to a Hezbollah ceasefire violation involving a drone attack on an IDF engineering bulldozer. Subsequent footage from IDF sources and Lebanese media confirmed the demolition. The tunnel network, located approximately six kilometers from Metula, was described by Israeli officials as a key component of Hezbollah's 'Conquer the Galilee' invasion plan.
The Zioneer reported on June 13 that IDF troops had uncovered tactical attack maps of northern Israeli communities inside the tunnel network, and on July 12 revealed a sophisticated underground complex including living quarters and an operating room. The network was funded and designed by Iran, according to Israeli officials.
No casualties have been reported from the demolition. The IDF stated it remains committed to the ceasefire while continuing operations in the area. The full extent of Hezbollah's remaining underground infrastructure in southern Lebanon remains unclear.
12 developments
- DevelopingIsrael discusses response to Hezbollah drone strike on IDF D9; option to blow up tunnels under Ali al-Taher ridge raised
- DevelopingAnalyst: Hezbollah emboldened by Iran to breach deterrence equation ahead of US deal
- DevelopingIsrael assesses Hezbollah will test ceasefire with attacks before US-Iran deal signing
- StrongAnalyst warns renewed IDF push at Ali al-Taher ridge tonight amid strategic Hezbollah base
Source and signal
- Open-source intake
