The Israeli military conducted a major overnight operation in southern Lebanon early Thursday, destroying an extensive Hezbollah tunnel network near Beaufort Ridge. Israeli officials characterized the underground complex as central to the terror group's strategy to infiltrate and attack communities in the Galilee region.
Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz said in a joint statement that the network played a key role in Hezbollah's plans to invade Israeli towns in northern Israel. The military deployed approximately 700 tons of explosives to dismantle the tunnel system as part of its broader campaign against Hezbollah's infrastructure in southern Lebanon.
According to Israeli officials, the operation was launched after what they described as a clear ceasefire violation by Hezbollah. Netanyahu and Katz stated: "Any attempt by Hezbollah to target IDF forces or Israeli civilians will be met with a harsh and powerful response that will exact a heavy toll on the terror organization."
The IDF Spokesperson's Unit confirmed the operation, saying soldiers "dismantled several key underground tunnels beneath the Beaufort Ridge" As part of limited activity in the Security Zone.
The military described the facility as a primary command center where Hezbollah commanders coordinated combat operations and directed attacks. The sprawling complex, built over approximately two decades with multiple underground levels, served as the central command center for Hezbollah's Bader Unit in southern Lebanon. Israeli officials said Iran financed and planned the project.
Located roughly 6 kilometers from Metula and the Galilee Panhandle, the tunnel network had been used to launch dozens of unmanned aerial vehicles, explosive devices, and anti-tank missiles toward Israeli civilians and troops, the IDF said.
Preparations for the demolition had been underway for weeks, with IDF soldiers deploying to the Beaufort Ridge area and maintaining control of the tunnel network ahead of the operation.
The IDF stated that forces remain prepared for escalation along the northern border and committed to the ceasefire agreement while operating to eliminate threats to its soldiers.
Hours before the explosions, authorities notified northern Israel residents that loud blasts would occur between 11:00 p.m. And 1:00 a.m. Due to planned military activity. Residents of Metula and Misgav Am were instructed to keep windows open to reduce glass-shattering risks from shockwaves. Officials noted no change in overall security conditions.