Israel announced it destroyed underground structures and a key tunnel network of Hezbollah beneath the Al-Aali Al-Taher ridge in southern Lebanon. It claimed full control of the area both above and below ground. Lebanon reported a large explosion, and the U.S. Geological Survey detected a 4.1 magnitude tremor.
Israel revealed that its military destroyed key underground structures and tunnel networks of Hezbollah, which is supported by Iran, beneath the Al-Aali Al-Taher ridge in Nabatieh Province, southern Lebanon. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz stated the operation completed the mission to establish "operational control" over the area both above and below ground.
In a joint statement, Netanyahu and Katz described the structures as "strategic terrorist infrastructure" built over more than 20 years with funding and planning from Iran. They confirmed Israeli forces will remain deployed to prevent Hezbollah from rebuilding bases and restoring military capabilities.
The Israeli military stated the tunnel network exceeds 2 kilometers in length and contained Iranian-made rockets and missiles, drones, machine guns, dozens of anti-tank missiles, as well as hundreds of mines and explosive devices.
Additionally, the main command center of Hezbollah's "Badr" unit was found. The underground complex included command centers, weapons depots, and living quarters, allowing members to hide and operate underground for extended periods.
Israeli military officials revealed some Hezbollah members operating near the ridge had withdrawn, while others were killed by airstrikes and artillery fire. Israel announced last week it had seized the Al-Aali Al-Taher ridge.
The large explosion caused strong tremors in the area. Lebanon's National News Agency (NNA) reported Israel detonated a major blast at the ridge, which residents in Nabatieh and surrounding areas felt strongly along with loud explosion sounds. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) detected a 4.1 magnitude tremor at the site.
An AFP reporter in southern Lebanon heard multiple loud explosions. A local resident recently relocated to the town of Majayun said everything inside his home visibly shook while he was sitting.
The Al-Aali Al-Taher ridge lies about 15 kilometers from the Israeli border and has become a strategic battleground between Israel and Hezbollah. Lebanese security sources said Hezbollah is believed to have built underground command centers and weapons caches in the area.
The conflict reignited on 2 March after Israel advanced into southern Lebanon, capturing several strategic locations. The Al-Aali Al-Taher ridge is a key Israeli operational area within a buffer zone that Israel unilaterally expanded in southern Lebanon.
Previously, a U.S.-brokered framework after the June ceasefire called for Israel to gradually withdraw from southern Lebanon, while the Lebanese army would disarm Hezbollah. However, the process stalled after Hezbollah refused to disarm, and Israel insists it will not withdraw until Hezbollah is disarmed.
Violence escalated again in recent days following a lull in fighting after understanding reached between Iran and the U.S. in June and an agreement between Lebanon and Israel.
Lebanese authorities stated that Israeli attacks since March have caused over 4,300 deaths, with Israeli forces continuing to occupy the so-called "security zone" in southern Lebanon.