IDF destroys Iran-backed Hezbollah tunnel systems, says more remain in southern Lebanon

The IDF destroyed Hezbollah's underground tunnel network in the Beaufort area and along the Ali al-Taher Ridge using hundreds of tons of explosives, dealing a severe strategic blow to the terrorist organization, according to data presented to Defense Minister Israel Katz on Sunday. Senior officers in the IDF Northern Command said the military had been aware for years of the tunnels, which were constructed by Iran and Hezbollah. The officers said the tunnels were intended not only for surveillance and intelligence gathering but also to support direct fire against Israeli communities and military positions. They added that an even greater concern is that similar underground infrastructure remains in southern Lebanon and has yet to be located or destroyed by the IDF. The officers assessed that the Lebanese Armed Forces are incapable of dealing with these sites, and warned that if the IDF does not receive authorization from the political leadership because of American restrictions, Hezbollah will continue to retain strategic assets. A security official said Israeli Military Intelligence and the Northern Command had gained a much deeper understanding of the scope of the project, and that Hezbollah was prepared to remain entrenched in these underground facilities for months while continuing to fire at Israel. Meanwhile, Northern Command officers stressed that the IDF has strengthened its operational grip on Hezbollah activity centers in southern Lebanon despite the ceasefire. According to a preliminary investigation into a recent clash involving the Egoz Unit of the Commando Brigade, troops identified Hezbollah operatives emerging from an underground compound whose entrance had been concealed. The operatives were reportedly on their way to collect food left by another Hezbollah cell. Egoz troops prepared an ambush and opened fire, during which an Egoz officer was moderately wounded. The incident will be the first operational investigation led by the newly appointed division commander, Brig.-Gen. Manny Liberty.