About 6 km from the Galilee Panhandle: IDF destroys Hezbollah tunnel network in the Beaufort area

The IDF destroyed a network of Hezbollah tunnels in the Beaufort ridge in southern Lebanon, about 6 km from Metula, using about 700 tons of explosives. The infrastructure served as a central command of the 'Badr' unit and was planned and funded by Iran. The operation was approved by Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir and carried out after an explosive drone hit an IDF engineering vehicle, a violation of the ceasefire agreement.

The IDF destroyed several main routes of a Hezbollah tunnel network in the Beaufort ridge area in southern Lebanon overnight (between Thursday and Friday), using about 700 tons of explosives. The tunnel network served as a central command complex, from which fighting was managed and fire was directed at IDF forces and Israeli civilians. The military said it was a strategic infrastructure built over two decades, included several levels, and served as a central command of the 'Badr' unit in southern Lebanon. It was also reported that the infrastructure was funded and planned by Iran. The tunnels were built about six kilometers from Metula and the Galilee Panhandle. According to the IDF, dozens of unmanned aerial vehicles, explosive drones, and anti-tank missiles were launched from the complex toward Israel and military forces. The operation was carried out by forces of the 36th Division led by Northern Command, and was approved by the Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir. The IDF clarified that no Hezbollah terrorists were hiding in the destroyed tunnels. Several additional underground routes remain in the area, and the military continues to monitor them. On July 13, another tunnel that was part of the network was destroyed, and after last night's operation, most of the underground complex in the area was destroyed. From the offices of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz, it was stated that the infrastructure was 'a central part of the terrorist organization Hezbollah's invasion plan for the Galilee settlements.' Their statement also said: 'The powerful operation was carried out at this time following the blatant violation yesterday of the ceasefire agreement by the terrorist organization Hezbollah.' According to Netanyahu and Katz, 'The State of Israel will not accept any violation of the ceasefire agreement. Any attempt by Hezbollah to harm IDF forces or Israeli civilians will be met with a harsh, powerful response that will exact a heavy price from the terrorist organization.' The operation was carried out after an explosive drone of Hezbollah hit an IDF engineering vehicle yesterday in the Ali Taher ridge area, north of the Beaufort fortress. No one was injured in the incident, but the vehicle was damaged. The IDF defined the launch as a violation of the ceasefire agreement. Ahead of the explosion, Northern Command informed residents of the Ramim ridge, Hula Valley, and northern Golan that loud explosions would be heard during the night. Residents of Metula and Misgav Am were asked to open their windows to prevent them from shattering. The military clarified that there was no change in the situation assessment.