The Houthis, the robots and the tunnels in Lebanon: How the IDF is preparing to tackle the next target | Avi Ashkenazi

Amid the regional escalation, which includes missile fire from Iran at American bases and the Houthis' advance toward the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, the IDF has gained operational and technological experience in fighting Iranian tunnels in Syria and Lebanon. The article reviews the knowledge accumulated in elite units, alongside exposure of new robotic capabilities, and assesses that the IDF now has the ability to contend even with Iran's own tunnels.

Against the backdrop of the severe regional escalation, which includes the firing of more than 20 missiles from Iran at American bases in Jordan and damage to American aircraft, alongside the Houthis' advance toward the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the capture of the port city of Al-Mukha, the article reviews the IDF's preparations for the Iranian arena. Defense Minister Israel Katz threatens a severe blow to Iran, and in parallel, the IDF has gained significant operational and technological experience in fighting Iranian tunnels. The experience began with Operation "Many Ways" in September 2024, when Shayetet 13 commandos raided a giant tunnel for manufacturing precision missiles deep in Syria. Since then, the IDF has gained additional experience in tunnels under Beaufort Castle and in Hezbollah's strategic command center on the Ali Taher ridge. The knowledge resides in the Shayetet 13, Yahalom, Egoz, Maglan, 551 units, and engineering battalions 601 and 603. This week, Fuse, a subsidiary of Elbit Systems, revealed new robotic technological capabilities, some of which have already been deployed in Gaza and Lebanon. The article assesses that the IDF now has the capability, understanding, experience, and technology to contend inside Iran's own tunnels.