Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz announced early Friday that the IDF destroyed Hezbollah's massive underground tunnel network beneath the Beaufort Ridge using approximately 700 tons of explosives. The operation, originally planned before the ceasefire, was carried out now in response to Hezbollah's alleged ceasefire violation yesterday, when the group targeted an unmanned IDF engineering bulldozer with an explosive drone.
The operation, announced in a joint statement by the Prime Minister and Defense Minister, targeted the sprawling subterranean complex beneath the Beaufort Ridge in southern Lebanon. Israeli forces used approximately 700 tons of explosives to demolish the network, which Israeli officials described as a central component of Hezbollah's planned invasion of the Galilee.
As The Zioneer reported earlier tonight (00:10 Jerusalem), the IDF had already destroyed the tunnel network. The new statement from Netanyahu and Katz provides additional context: the operation had been scheduled before the ceasefire but was delayed due to the truce. It was carried out now in response to Hezbollah's alleged ceasefire violation on Thursday, when the group launched an explosive drone at an unmanned IDF engineering bulldozer.
The Beaufort tunnel network, built over years with Iranian funding, included living quarters, weapons storage, and medical facilities. The IDF has been systematically dismantling Hezbollah's underground infrastructure in southern Lebanon since the renewal of operations in June. Previous demolitions include a 200-meter tunnel in Majdal Zoun and a major facility destroyed in Operation "End of Verse."
No further details on the operation's timeline or any casualties have been released. The statement underscores Israel's position that any Hezbollah kinetic activity constitutes a breach of the ceasefire and will be met with force.
2 developments
- DevelopingIDF uncovers large Hezbollah tunnel network used for about 400 launches
- StrongIDF clears Hezbollah tunnel network beneath Beaufort Ridge, advances near Nabatieh
- DevelopingIDF demolished Hezbollah tunnels, chose not to repurpose them against drones
- DevelopingKatz: IDF thwarting Hezbollah tunnels, destroying terror infrastructure near Lebanon border fence
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