Israel says it demolished Hezbollah tunnel network in southern Lebanon
Israel says it demolished Hezbollah's underground tunnel network in southern Lebanon with over 1,000 tonnes of explosives, triggering a 4.1 magnitude tremor and reinforcing its security zone.
The Full Story
A plain summary built from the channels that reported this story.
The Israeli military says it has demolished a substantial Hezbollah underground tunnel network in southern Lebanon, using more than 1,000 tonnes of explosives. The operation targeted two tunnels at the Ali Tahir Ridge, where troops reportedly discovered Iranian-made rockets, anti-tank missiles, drones and other munitions. The tunnels were said to span two kilometres. The IDF said this completes the destruction of eight tunnels altogether and helps establish a security zone in the area.
The detonation was so powerful that the US Geological Survey recorded a 4.1 magnitude earthquake, with tremors felt up to 40 kilometres away. According to the Israeli military, the underground infrastructure included a command centre used by Hezbollah's Badr unit and contained dozens of Iranian-made rockets, missiles and explosives.
Experts say the development is a significant blow to Hezbollah and Iran. Professor Abbas Milani of Stanford University said Iran has "discreetly accepted" the loss as a defeat for both Hezbollah and itself. Iran had threatened retaliation but has not acted, aware that an attack could lead to a devastating Israeli response. Milani also suggested Israel's intention to maintain a security zone amounts to a form of annexation, though it could be temporary if Hezbollah disarms and an agreement is reached with the Lebanese government.
Reporting from southern Lebanon, BBC's Hugo Bachega noted that despite Hezbollah's vows to defend the complex, there was no resistance. The complex, built over two decades and funded by Iran, has been destroyed. He said there are no signs of Israel withdrawing from areas it occupies, and Hezbollah faces criticism from Lebanese opponents who blame it for the country's destruction.
Hussein Ibish of the Arab Gulf States Institute argued the strike confirms Israel is "digging in for the long haul," intending to keep control of seized territories and create a depopulated buffer zone. He expressed scepticism about the US-brokered ceasefire from June, under which Israel was expected to pull back and Hezbollah to disarm, given the lack of will on both sides and the complex regional dynamics.
On screen
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Key Claims
Claims reported during this story's coverage, mapped by channel. Ordered by how many channels carried each claim.
| Claim | BBC News |
|---|---|
| Israeli troops found Iranian-made rockets, anti-tank missiles, drones and other munitions inside the tunnels. | |
| The explosions registered as a 4.1 magnitude earthquake. | |
| The IDF used over 1,000 tons of explosives to blow up two tunnels at Ali Tahir Ridge that spanned about two kilometers and contained Iranian-made weapons, completing its mission to destroy eight tunnels and establish a security zone. |
Channel Perspectives
What each channel focused on, with key quotes.
BBC News focused on expert analysis, bringing in Iranian studies and Arab Gulf perspectives to assess the broader implications for Iran, Hezbollah, and Israel's long-term presence in Lebanon. It also included field reporting from its Middle East correspondent, highlighting the lack of resistance and Israel's continued occupation of the area. The tone was analytical and raised concerns about annexation and the viability of the ceasefire.
- “I think it's fairly significant in the sense that Iran has discreetly accepted that this is a defeat for Hezbollah and it's a defeat for Iran.”
- “I think it's as close to an annexation as you can get.”
- “I think it's yet another confirmation that Israel is digging in for the long haul”
Broadcast Timeline
News broadcasts tracked for this story, in time order.