Israel destroys Hezbollah tunnels in southern Lebanon, triggering tremor
Quick Look
Israel demolished Hezbollah-built tunnels beneath the Ali al-Taher ridge in southern Lebanon, causing a 4.1 magnitude tremor, as part of efforts to establish a security zone and assert operational control over the area.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Israel has been engaged in periodic conflicts with Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militant group in southern Lebanon, over border security and alleged cross-border attacks.
Israel said Thursday it demolished key tunnels built by the Iran-backed Hezbollah group beneath the strategic Ali al-Taher ridge in southern Lebanon, triggering a 4.1 magnitude tremor.
Agence France-Presse journalists in the area heard several explosions. In a video shared by Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz, a huge fireball can be seen rising into the night sky.
The explosion comes a few days after Israeli authorities claimed to have taken control of the Ali al-Taher ridge, saying that the pro-Iranian Hezbollah had dug numerous tunnels there, allowing it to attack Israel from this mountainous area.
Israeli troops occupy part of southern Lebanon, where Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he wants to establish a “security zone” to prevent any attacks on the north of his country.
“This is strategic terrorist infrastructure that was built over two decades, with Iranian funding and planning,” Netanyahu and Katz said in a joint statement.
The destruction “completes the achievement of operational control over the Ali al-Taher ridge – above and below ground”, the statement added.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Hezbollah may retaliate against Israeli positions in response to the tunnel destruction.
Likely · Within days
Israel will maintain its military presence in southern Lebanon to enforce the proposed security zone.
Very likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- How long will Israeli troops remain in southern Lebanon?
- What is the extent of damage to Hezbollah's tunnel network?
- Will Hezbollah retaliate for the tunnel destruction?
