Israel Destroys Hezbollah Tunnel Network in Southern Lebanon

The Israel Defense Forces used approximately 700 tons of explosives to destroy a multi-level Hezbollah tunnel network beneath Beaufort Ridge in southern Lebanon. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz stated the operation dismantled a central command center for Hezbollah's Bader Unit, which served as a hub for launching missiles and UAVs toward northern Israel. The IDF claimed the infrastructure took two decades to build with Iranian funding.

Israeli officials justified the strike as a response to a "blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement" on Wednesday, specifically accusing Hezbollah of launching an explosive drone at an Israeli military vehicle. Hezbollah has not claimed any attacks against Israel since June 20. The detonations occurred near the UNESCO-listed Beaufort castle, a site recently added to the List of World Heritage in Danger.

This escalation occurs as both nations prepare for U.S.-brokered talks in Rome from August 4 to August 6. These discussions aim to implement a framework agreement signed on June 26, which requires the deployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces in southern Lebanon in exchange for a contingent Israeli withdrawal. While Lebanon reports ongoing Israeli artillery shelling, the U.S. continues to oversee the pilot zone process and the resolution of outstanding border issues.