Post by : Badri Ariffin

The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) have successfully dismantled a substantial Hezbollah tunnel network located beneath the Beaufort Ridge in southern Lebanon. This was confirmed in a joint announcement by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz on Thursday evening.

According to the statement, the IDF utilized 700 tons of explosives to obliterate the hidden facility, which is deemed crucial to Hezbollah’s military operations.

Operation Shifted Following June Agreement

Israeli authorities revealed that the demolition operation had initially been slated for earlier execution, but was delayed due to a framework agreement established in June.

Netanyahu and Katz asserted that the tunnel was destroyed following what they termed Hezbollah's “overt” breach of the ceasefire, referring to an incident on Wednesday when explosives were used against an unmanned construction vehicle.

Hezbollah’s Alleged Invasion Plans Involved the Tunnel

The joint statement outlined that the network was integral to Hezbollah’s strategy for assailing communities in the Galilee area.

“Israel stands firm against any transgression of the ceasefire. Any act by Hezbollah aimed at jeopardizing IDF personnel or Israeli citizens will be met with serious repercussions that will impose a heavy toll on the terrorist group,” Netanyahu and Katz emphasized.

Additionally, they mentioned that IDF operations would persist within the southern Lebanon security perimeter, focused on demolishing what Israel labels terrorist infrastructure to hinder Hezbollah’s military reinforcement.

Reported Destruction of Multiple Tunnel Routes

In another statement, the Israeli military articulated that several vital underground routes within the Beaufort Ridge had been obliterated.

The IDF noted that its troops dedicated prior weeks to securing the ridge, taking command of the underground structures, clearing the region, and preparing the tunnel system for destruction.

The military added that another tunnel linked to the Beaufort Ridge network had already been destroyed on July 13. Following this latest operation, Israel proclaimed that most of the tunnel network in the vicinity has now been rendered inoperable.

IDF Monitoring Alternate Tunnel Network

The IDF indicated that it remains vigilant regarding another significant Hezbollah tunnel system beneath the Ali Taher ridge close to Nabatieh.

Military reports suggest that numerous Hezbollah operatives are still operating within this underground network. However, under the current ceasefire, Israel has not been able to capture this system, even as military engagements proceed elsewhere in southern Lebanon.

Framework Agreement and Future Technical Discussions

The June framework agreement instructed the Lebanese military to deploy in regions of southern Lebanon traditionally influenced by Hezbollah. This agreement aims to facilitate Israel's exit from the southern buffer zone it currently governs.

Technical teams from both nations are slated to convene from August 4 through August 6 to deliberate on executing this framework agreement, which is aimed at advancing toward potential peace between Israel and Lebanon.

Report Indicates Israel's Resistance to Further Withdrawals

Channel 12 recently reported that Israel has communicated to mediators its unwillingness to consider any further withdrawals from southern Lebanon during the impending discussions.

According to the report, Israel intends to halt additional withdrawals south of the “yellow line” — the delineation marking the buffer zone — until Hezbollah is disarmed.

The Iran-backed group has publicly rejected disarmament demands and opposed the ongoing Israel-Lebanon negotiations.

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