Military says underground network contained weapons, launch positions and multiple access shafts
The Israeli military said it destroyed a 200-meter-long underground tunnel allegedly used by Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, following an operation involving infantry and combat engineering forces.
According to a joint statement issued by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz, the tunnel was located near the village of Majdal Zoun and extended more than 25 meters below ground. Israeli officials said the tunnel contained hundreds of weapons, multiple access shafts, and launch positions allegedly intended for rocket attacks against Israel.
Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said troops from the 551st Brigade carried out the demolition in coordination with the elite Yahalom Combat Engineering Unit after securing the underground complex earlier this month.
Operation targeted underground infrastructure
Israeli officials stated that the tunnel could not be destroyed through aerial strikes because of its depth and reinforced construction. Consequently, ground forces entered and cleared the underground network before carrying out a controlled demolition.
The IDF released video footage showing the explosion that destroyed the tunnel. According to the military, forces also located and seized dozens of items described as terrorist infrastructure, including drones, anti-tank missiles, weapons, and other military equipment.
Israeli authorities further claimed that approximately 20 Hezbollah fighters were killed during the operation, including 10 members identified as belonging to the group’s Radwan Force. These figures have not been independently verified.
Israel says US informed before demolition
Netanyahu and Katz said Israel informed the United States before conducting the demolition operation. However, they did not provide additional details regarding the notification or any coordination between the two allies.
The operation comes as tensions remain high along the Israel-Lebanon border despite ongoing international diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing further escalation. Military activity has continued in several areas of southern Lebanon, with both sides accusing each other of violating ceasefire understandings.
Meta Description: Israel says it destroyed a Hezbollah tunnel in southern Lebanon, seizing weapons and demolishing underground infrastructure during military operations successfully.
