Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a joint statement Friday night announcing that Israeli forces destroyed the main routes in Hezbollah’s terror tunnel network in the Beaufort Ridge area of southern Lebanon. According to the statement, the extensive underground infrastructure was a central part of Hezbollah’s plan to invade Galilee communities.
Video: IDF Spokesperson
The tunnels were blown up using approximately 700 tons of explosives, as part of the systematic effort by Israeli forces to destroy Hezbollah’s terror infrastructure in southern Lebanon. According to Netanyahu and Katz, the operation was carried out following a blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement by the terror organization.
3+The joint statement said Israel “will not accept any violation of the ceasefire agreement,” and that any attempt by Hezbollah to harm Israeli forces or Israeli civilians will be met with a harsh response that will make clear to the organization the price of violation. The statement emphasized that Israeli forces will remain in the security zone in southern Lebanon and continue to destroy any terror infrastructure that threatens Israel.
3+As part of the operation, forces from the 36th Division led by Northern Command destroyed several main underground routes in the Beaufort Ridge. According to the IDF, the network served as a central command complex from which combat was managed and fire was directed at Israeli forces and Israeli civilians. The infrastructure was built over approximately two decades, included several levels, and served as the main terror headquarters of Hezbollah’s Badr Unit in southern Lebanon.
3+The infrastructure was established about 6 kilometers from Metula and the Galilee Panhandle, and from it dozens of UAVs, explosive drones, and anti-tank missiles were launched in the past. The IDF noted that after destroying the additional routes overnight, most of the underground tunnel system in the Beaufort Ridge area has been destroyed.
3+At the same time, Israeli forces continue to operate in the Ali Taher Ridge area and maintain high readiness in offense and defense.