IDF Destroys Hezbollah’s Underground Tunnel Complex Beneath Beaufort Ridge

During the final weeks of the 2023-2024 campaign, Israel’s 36th Division and Maglan, Egoz, Givati, Golani, Yahalom and Commando units seized Beaufort Ridge in southern Lebanon and demolished a tunnel system that housed a hospital, food stores, water and hundreds of explosives. Built over two decades with Iranian financing, the complex was called an “underground city” by outgoing Maglan commander Lt. Col. B. Lt. Col. B. and Brig. Gen. Yiftah Norkin led the assault, while Egoz drones identified operatives inside the tunnels.

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IDF statements cite about 20 Hezbollah fighters killed, while another source mentions only “several” casualties, reflecting a reporting gap. Hundreds of explosive devices and an “insane amount” of weapons—including mortar shells, RPGs, Kornet anti-tank missiles, anti-aircraft guns and rifles—were recovered. Maglan troops spent eight consecutive weekends on duty, after two years of preparation and multiple chief-of-staff approvals.

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Seizing Beaufort Ridge removes Hezbollah’s high-ground observation posts and denies the group a logistical hub that could threaten Israeli border communities. By pushing the enemy farther from the fence, confrontations shift to army positions, reducing civilian exposure.

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The IDF called the seizure a “significant stage in weakening” Hezbollah and highlighted the deception maneuver that opened a previously impassable route. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel is “destroying massive underground facilities… unlike anything I have ever seen.” Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that attacks on northern towns will trigger strikes on Beirut’s Dahiyeh district. Some northern residents have criticized the IDF as “tied,” arguing that continued Hezbollah rockets and drones keep border towns alert.

Hezbollah continues attacks on Israel, IDF hits back despite renewed Iran ceasefireYnetNewsTimes of IsraelYnetNewsArutz Sheva (Israel National News)

• “I think we are fighting an organization that has been badly beaten,” — Lt. Col. B., Maglan commander

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• “When you move the enemy away from the fence, the fighting takes place against the army and not inside our communities," he said.” — Lt. Col. B.

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• “We brought in ammunition that can down drones, and we are achieving high rates,” — IDF official, 36th Division

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• “We continue to destroy all of their terror infrastructure in the security zone, including massive underground facilities in the Beaufort Ridge. So massive that they are unlike anything I have ever seen. Iran and Hezbollah are weaker than ever, and we are stronger than ever – but our battle against them is still not finished… Together, with God's help, we will restore security to the north.” — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

Hezbollah continues attacks on Israel, IDF hits back despite renewed Iran ceasefire

IDF statements cite about 20 Hezbollah fighters killed, while another source mentions only “several” casualties, leaving the exact number unverified.

Hezbollah continues attacks on Israel, IDF hits back despite renewed Iran ceasefire

Commando and Yahalom teams are mapping remaining tunnel shafts and will advance westward and northward while maintaining drone defenses and reinforcing positions along the Litani and Saluki streams.

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