Israel Demolishes Hezbollah Tunnel Network Beneath Ali al-Taher Ridge in Southern Lebanon
On Thursday, Israel announced that it had destroyed a tunnel network built by Hezbollah under the Ali al-Taher ridge in southern Lebanon. This operation caused a 4.1 magnitude earthquake, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Journalists from Agence France-Presse nearby reported hearing multiple explosions, and Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz shared a video showing a large fireball in the night sky. This action followed Israel's claim of controlling the Ali al-Taher ridge, accusing Hezbollah, backed by Iran, of constructing tunnels for attacks. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu mentioned plans to create a "security zone" in southern Lebanon to prevent attacks on northern Israel, labeling the tunnel system as "strategic terrorist infrastructure" built over 20 years.
Key facts
- Israel demolished Hezbollah tunnels beneath the Ali al-Taher ridge in southern Lebanon on Thursday.
- The USGS recorded a 4.1 magnitude tremor following the blast.
- Agence France-Presse journalists in the area heard several explosions.
- Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz shared video showing a fireball rising into the night sky.
- Israel claimed control of the Ali al-Taher ridge a few days before the demolition.
- Israeli troops occupy part of southern Lebanon, where Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seeks a "security zone."
- Netanyahu and Katz said the tunnels were built over two decades with Iranian funding and planning.
- The joint statement said the destruction completes operational control over the ridge above and below ground.
Entities
Artists
- Israel Katz
- Benjamin Netanyahu
Institutions
- Hezbollah
- Israel Defense Forces
- United States Geological Survey
- Agence France-Presse
Locations
- Israel
- Lebanon
- Iran
- Ali al-Taher ridge
- Southern Lebanon