Full Breakdown
IDF Captures Hezbollah Drone Tunnel in Majdal Zoun
6/22/2026, 8:33:42 PM
Capture of the Underground Drone Facility
IDF commandos, including Yahalom combat-engineering squads and reservist forces, seized a Hezbollah tunnel complex in Majdal Zoun, southern Lebanon. Built with Iranian assistance, the underground “airbase” stretches several hundred meters, reaches 29 m depth, contains about 50 UAVs each with a 30-kg warhead, eight tons of explosives, and four blast-door launch exits. Hezbollah’s Badr Unit operated the site, while Lebanese officials are discussing a possible hand-over of a nearby tunnel in Tebnit, where intelligence estimates 30-40 fighters are present.
Background & Context
Hezbollah’s tunnel network in southern Lebanon, built with Iranian expertise, underpins the fragile cease-fire with Israel. The US-Iran memorandum of understanding (MOU) seeks to halt hostilities, though attacks persist.
Official Statements & Responses
An Israeli security source said the operation could test the Lebanese army’s willingness to confront Hezbollah. The IDF described the raid as a move to deprive Hezbollah of its drone capability. Iran’s Khatam-al-Anbiya Central Headquarters announced the Strait of Hormuz would be closed in retaliation for Israeli strikes. French foreign minister Jean-Noël Barrot urged Israel to honor the cease-fire.
Criticism & Opposition
Hezbollah vowed to keep defending Kfar Tebnit and the Ali Taher ridge. Israeli minister Itamar Ben Gvir called for “all of Lebanon must burn,” reflecting domestic opposition to the cease-fire. Iran linked Israeli actions to its Hormuz closure, challenging the MOU’s effectiveness.
On-the-Ground Reports
Journalists escorted at night saw the tunnel entrance, steel blast doors, a vehicle-wide passage, a collapsed section with a buried car, and UAVs displayed along concrete walls.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the number of Hezbollah fighters in the Tebnit tunnel (30-40 versus “dozens”). Casualty figures also vary: Lebanon’s health ministry cites 18 deaths, while the IDF reports 35 soldiers killed. No independent verification exists for Iran’s claim of closing the Strait of Hormuz.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This could be a test for the ability and motivation of the Lebanese army to deal publicly and in an unprecedented way with Hezbollah,” — Israeli security source
- “These are drones that threatened the State of Israel throughout its length and breadth. We came here to deprive Hezbollah of these capabilities,” — Yahalom squadron commander
- “It is hereby announced that the Strait of Hormuz will be closed to vessel traffic; It is noted that this first step is a response to the enemy’s breach of promise, and if the aggression continues, further steps will be planned and taken to force the enemy to comply with its obligations,” — Khatam-al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, Iran
- “Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said that Israel will respect the ceasefire as long as Hezbollah does as well.” — Gideon Saar, Israeli Foreign Minister
What’s Next
The IDF will demolish the tunnel after completing scans. Lebanese authorities are weighing a hand-over of the Tebnit compound to the army. US-Iran technical talks in Switzerland are slated to begin this week, while both sides monitor further Hezbollah drone activity.
