Israel blows up 700-ton tunnel network under Beaufort Ridge

Israeli forces detonated approximately 700 tons of explosives to destroy what they described as a major Hezbollah tunnel network beneath the Beaufort Ridge in southern Lebanon. The large-scale demolition occurred overnight on July 30 into July 31, with the powerful blasts heard across southern Lebanon and reportedly shattering windows in nearby towns.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz announced the operation, stating it targeted a sprawling subterranean complex that served as a central command center for Hezbollah's Bader Unit. Israeli officials said the tunnel network, allegedly built over two decades with Iranian funding, posed a significant threat to northern Israeli communities, including Metula and the Galilee Panhandle, from which Hezbollah operatives had launched attacks. The military stated the operation was a response to what it called a Hezbollah violation of the ceasefire agreement on July 29, when an explosive drone targeted an Israeli engineering vehicle near the Ali Taher ridge.

The Israeli military said its forces had spent several weeks securing and preparing the tunnel complex for demolition, having already destroyed one section...