IDF Captures Beaufort Ridge, Destroys Hezbollah’s Underground Network

Operation Roaring Lion, launched by the Israeli Defense Forces, targets Hezbollah’s fortified positions in southern Lebanon. The campaign focuses on the Litani River corridor and the strategic Beaufort Ridge, which Hezbollah has used for observation and fire.

YnetNews

Lt. Col. B., outgoing commander of the Maglan special-forces unit, is succeeded by Lt. Col. G. Brig. Gen. Yiftah Norkin commands the 36th Division, which coordinated the deception maneuver. Supporting units include the Commando Brigade, Yahalom combat-engineering unit, and the Golani and Givati brigades.

YnetNews

Israeli forces diverted Hezbollah’s attention northward while a concealed crossing at the Litani bend opened a hidden route. The 36th Division advanced through this corridor, enabling the Givati brigade to seize Beaufort Ridge. Simultaneously, Maglan and Yahalom cleared an extensive underground complex beneath the ridge, described as an “underground city” with months-long supplies, operating rooms and a hospital.

YnetNews

The operation killed about 20 Hezbollah fighters and dismantled hundreds of roadside explosives. The tunnel network stored large caches of mortar shells, grenades, RPGs, Kornet missiles, anti-aircraft guns and rifles, as well as food, water and medical supplies sufficient for months.

YnetNews

Lt. Col. B. said Hezbollah’s combat effectiveness has deteriorated sharply and its fighters now avoid direct engagements. IDF officials described the maneuver as a major deception that opened a previously impassable route and stripped Hezbollah of key assets, emphasizing that moving the fight away from civilian areas improves security for Israeli communities.

YnetNews

Control of Beaufort Ridge eliminates Hezbollah’s observation point and disrupts its supply lines. The loss of the tunnel complex and high attrition weaken the group’s command structure, limiting its ability to launch attacks. The operation also demonstrates the IDF’s growing counter-drone capabilities.

YnetNews

All casualty and equipment figures come from IDF statements; independent verification of the number of fighters killed, weapons seized or the full extent of the tunnel network is not provided.

YnetNews

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

YnetNews

• “A year and a half ago, Hezbollah was still fighting us directly. Today, it barely dares to create friction with the army. It is simply retreating.” — Lt. Col. B.

YnetNews

• “If Hezbollah had used this asset the way it planned, the challenge for us would have been very difficult — extremely difficult," he said.” — Lt. Col. B.

YnetNews

• “Hezbollah prepared to defend these places with underground infrastructure, and we carried out a very significant diversion against it,” — IDF 36th Division official

YnetNews

The Commando Brigade and Yahalom continue clearing the remaining tunnel network beneath Beaufort Ridge. IDF planners are assessing further advances westward or northward based on Hezbollah’s residual strength.

YnetNews