Full Breakdown
Israeli Operations Target Hezbollah’s Underground Fortresses in Southern Lebanon
6/25/2026, 12:59:55 AM
IDF Seals Hezbollah Tunnel Complexes
Israeli forces sealed the entrances to an underground complex in Tebnit, trapping dozens of Hezbollah fighters, and captured a 200-meter, 25-meter-deep tunnel in Majdal Zoun with four launch shafts and twelve rooms. The actions follow airstrikes on the Ali al-Taher ridge, the Badr Unit’s headquarters.
Origin and Role of the Tunnel Network
Hezbollah’s “Land of Tunnels” project, begun after the 2006 war, built facilities on the Ali al-Taher and Beaufort ridges with Iranian and North Korean aid; the tunnels host command and launch facilities for rockets and missiles, forming a “Second Line of Defense” north of the Litani River.
Casualties and Tunnel Characteristics
The Majdal Zoun operation killed 20 Hezbollah militants, including 10 Radwan members, and seized about 50 weapons, drones, anti-tank missiles and explosives. Dozens remain trapped in Tebnit; four Israeli soldiers died in a separate clash nearby.
Israeli Official Stance
The IDF says its resources are dedicated to neutralizing the threat. Defense Minister Israel Katz affirmed no restrictions on IDF soldiers in Lebanon. Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir called the ceasefire “shaky” and urged highest preparedness.
Internal Criticism of Operational Limits
Some IDF officers say political pressure limits strike approvals, claiming such constraints “harm the military’s ability to target Hezbollah militants” and jeopardize force protection. Analysts note contradictory senior statements about operational bans.
On-Ground Description
Journalists reported the Majdal Zoun entrance large enough for vehicles and shielded by massive blast doors. Inside, twelve rooms held living quarters, weapons caches and UAVs with 30-kg warheads and 200-500 km range, reflecting Iranian-sourced technology.
Conflicting Reports
Sources differ on militants trapped in Tebnit—“dozens” versus “30 to 40.” Reports also conflict on Hezbollah’s use of the Majdal Zoun tunnel and on Iranian and North Korean involvement, described by some as “direct assistance” and by others as vague.
Security Implications
Neutralizing the tunnels aims to curb Hezbollah’s command and launch capacity, potentially stabilizing the fragile US-Iran ceasefire. Yet the risk of a Radwan Force kidnapping attempt and a pending test of the Lebanese army’s willingness to confront Hezbollah add uncertainty.
Future Steps
Israeli officials discuss transferring the Tebnit compound to the Lebanese army as IDF units keep clearing underground sites. Monitoring ceasefire compliance and further strikes on the Ali al-Taher ridge are expected soon.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Israel’s response to all mediating parties was clear: surrender or be killed inside the underground system.” — security source
- “This infrastructure has huge blast doors that block the entrance and protect the system,” — Lt. Col. D., Yahalom commander
- “There was not, and there is not, any restriction on IDF soldiers in Lebanon from acting to remove threats,” — Defense Minister Israel Katz
- “The ceasefire that was announced is shaky, and we need to be ready with the highest preparedness to renew our military actions, and to thwart the threats, including quickly transitioning to go on the attack if required.” — Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir
