Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have destroyed a large Hezbollah tunnel in southern Lebanon.
According to the announcement, the tunnel was around 2 kilometres long and went as deep as 25 metres underground. It was reportedly built over a period of nearly ten years and was funded by Iran. Israeli officials described it as part of Hezbollah’s underground military infrastructure.
The IDF carried out the operation as part of activities conducted by Division 36 in the Qantara area. During the mission, about 450 tonnes of explosives were used to completely destroy the tunnel.
Netanyahu said the operation is part of Israel’s ongoing efforts to weaken Hezbollah’s military capabilities and destroy what it calls “terror infrastructure” in Lebanon. He also stated that military actions against Hezbollah targets will continue, with further operations planned in the coming days.
The Israeli government believes that such tunnels are used to move weapons and carry out attacks, and says their destruction is necessary for national security.
This latest action has increased tensions in the region, as both sides continue to carry out military operations along the Israel-Lebanon border.