BEIRUT — Israel says it has destroyed a major underground Hezbollah tunnel network beneath a strategic ridge in southern Lebanon, with the massive explosion reportedly powerful enough to trigger a 4.1-magnitude tremor detected in the area.
The Israeli military said it completed the destruction of underground infrastructure beneath the Ali al-Taher ridge, a strategic position in southern Lebanon that has remained a major flashpoint despite a ceasefire framework reached earlier this year.
Massive Blast Shakes Southern Lebanon
The explosion was so powerful that seismic monitors registered a 4.1-magnitude tremor, according to reports citing the US Geological Survey.
Residents in surrounding areas reportedly felt the shaking, although there were no immediate reports of major damage caused by the tremor itself.
Israel said the blast was part of a planned operation to demolish Hezbollah’s underground military infrastructure after its forces established operational control over the ridge.
What Was Inside the Tunnel Network?
According to the Israeli military, the underground complex stretched for roughly 2 kilometres and included infrastructure designed to support Hezbollah fighters for extended periods.
Israel said the network contained:
- Command facilities
- Weapons storage areas
- Living quarters
- Rockets and other weapons
- Drones
- Explosive devices
- Underground routes connecting different parts of the complex
Israeli officials described the site as a major operational base used by Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.
A Strategic Ridge at the Centre of Fighting
The Ali al-Taher ridge has become one of the most heavily contested locations in southern Lebanon.
The elevated area overlooks surrounding territory and important routes leading toward the city of Nabatiyeh, making it strategically valuable for military operations.
Fighting around the ridge continued even after a ceasefire framework reduced violence in other parts of Lebanon. Israeli forces have carried out repeated strikes in the area, while Hezbollah has also launched drone attacks against Israeli positions.
Israel Claims Major Blow to Hezbollah
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz said the destruction of the underground network completed a key stage in establishing what Israel calls a security zone in southern Lebanon.
Israel said its forces had first secured control of the ridge above and below ground before demolishing the tunnels.
The military also said it intended to maintain a presence in the area to prevent Hezbollah from rebuilding its infrastructure or returning to former positions.
Hezbollah Has Not Immediately Responded
Hezbollah did not immediately issue a detailed public response to Israel’s announcement about the destruction of the tunnel network.
Earlier reports indicated that Hezbollah considered Ali al-Taher strategically important but had pushed back against some Israeli claims regarding the scale of its control over the area.
The destruction of the network could nevertheless complicate efforts to restore calm in southern Lebanon, where tensions remain high despite international efforts to support a longer-term agreement involving Israeli withdrawal and Hezbollah’s disarmament.
Ceasefire Efforts Remain Under Pressure
A US-backed framework reached in June called for steps including Israeli withdrawal and changes to Hezbollah’s military presence.
However, implementation has stalled amid disagreements over disarmament and security conditions.
Israel has insisted that Hezbollah’s military infrastructure must be dismantled, while Hezbollah has resisted broader demands to give up its weapons.
The continued fighting around Ali al-Taher demonstrates how fragile the situation remains.
The Bottom Line
Israel says it has destroyed a major Hezbollah underground tunnel network beneath the Ali al-Taher ridge in southern Lebanon, with the huge blast reportedly triggering a 4.1-magnitude tremor.
The network allegedly contained command facilities, weapons, drones, living quarters and extensive underground routes.
The operation represents a potentially significant blow to Hezbollah’s military infrastructure in one of southern Lebanon’s most strategic areas.
But with ceasefire implementation stalled and both sides still deeply divided over security and disarmament, the destruction of the tunnels is unlikely to bring an immediate end to tensions along the Israeli-Lebanese front.
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