IDF Destroys Two Major Hezbollah Tunnels in Qantara, Southern Lebanon

On 28 April 2026 the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that troops from the 36th Division located and demolished two underground tunnel systems in Qantara, Lebanon, 10 km from Israel’s northern border. Built over a decade, the tunnels stretched 2 km, reached 25 m depth and housed 30 rooms and 30 shafts, some with rocket launchers aimed at Israeli communities. Controlled detonations using 450 tons of explosives collapsed the structures; seismic sensors recorded the blasts but no earthquake sirens sounded.

Times of IsraelThe Media LineIDF destroys largest-ever Hezbollah tunnel system in southern Lebanon in earth-shaking explosionTimes of IsraelIsraeli Army: Destruction of two Hezbollah tunnels 2 km long8 killed in Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon despite cease-fireWith 570 tons of explosives. . Israel destroys Hezbollah's largest tunnels

The demolition follows an Israeli campaign intensified after Hezbollah resumed rocket fire and drone attacks in early March 2026. A cease-fire brokered on 17 April 2026 is fragile, with sides reporting violations. IDF said the tunnels were part of an underground network in Rab al-Thalathin and Mays al-Jabal, intended as staging grounds for Hezbollah’s Radwan elite forces.

Times of Israel

The tunnels spanned about 2 km, descended 25 m, and housed 30 rooms and 30 shafts. Inside were weapons caches with 45 anti-tank missiles, mortars, rockets and a 900-kg explosive pit. IDF reported one soldier killed (Sgt. Idan Fooks) and several wounded; Lebanese officials reported five to eight civilian deaths, including three rescuers.

Times of Israel

IDF said tunnels were “funded by Iranian terror regime and part of Hezbollah’s plan to conquer Galilee.” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged to keep “destroying their terror infrastructure.” Defense Minister Israel Katz vowed to target Hezbollah infrastructure “just like in Gaza.” Lebanese presidency called the killing of defense personnel a breach of international law. United States expressed willingness to extend cease-fire while affirming Israel’s right to self-defense.

NaharnetReport: Israel sets mid-May deadline for permanent Lebanon ceasefire dealIDF destroys largest-ever Hezbollah tunnel system in southern Lebanon in earth-shaking explosionYnetNews8 killed in Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon despite cease-fireTimes of IsraelWIONThe Jerusalem Post

Hezbollah said it targeted Israeli forces in Qantara during the demolition. Lebanese health officials highlighted civilian casualties and questioned the strike’s proportionality.

8 killed in Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon despite cease-fire

Sources differ on explosive quantity (450 t versus 570 t), tunnel length (2 km versus 1.3 mi), and civilian death toll (five versus eight). Local video showed large smoke plumes and audible explosions; residents of Misgav Am received warnings to stay indoors, and Geological Survey of Israel confirmed the blasts on its seismic system. No independent evidence of Iranian planning has been presented.

Times of Israel

• “funded by the Iranian terror regime and as part of Hezbollah’s plan to conquer the Galilee.” — IDF spokesperson

The Media Line

• “Today we blew up a huge Hezbollah terror tunnel. We are destroying their terror infrastructure, we are killing many dozens of their terrorists -- and we're not done yet,” — Benjamin Netanyahu

Naharnet

• “Hezbollah claimed to have targeted Israeli forces in Qantara, where the major tunnels were razed.” — Hezbollah statement

Times of Israel

• “The Geological Survey of Israel said the blasts were detected by its seismic monitoring system due to their intensity, though no earthquake sirens were activated.” — Geological Survey of Israel

The Media Line

U.S. officials are arranging a summit between Netanyahu and President Aoun to discuss a permanent settlement. The IDF will continue clearing remaining tunnel sections and countering FPV drone threats pending diplomatic outcomes.

YnetNews