Full Breakdown
Israel Gains Operational Control of Hezbollah Tunnel Network Beneath Beaufort Ridge
7/5/2026, 7:59:58 PM
Operational Milestone at Beaufort Ridge
On Sunday, 5 July 2026, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir toured the Beaufort Ridge in southern Lebanon, entered an underground tunnel previously used by Hezbollah, and announced that Israeli forces now hold “operational control of this key terrain both above ground and of these underground tunnel networks.” The ridge, described as “dominant terrain saturated with terrorist infrastructure,” had served as command centers, firing positions and staging areas for attacks on northern Israel.
Framework Agreement and Ceasefire Context
The visit followed the signing of a U.S.–brokered framework agreement on 26 June 2026 between Lebanon, Israel and the United States. The accord outlines a phased disarmament of Hezbollah and a gradual Israeli withdrawal. The U.S. State Department said the deal creates conditions for IDF withdrawal, while Lebanese President Joseph Aoun defended the framework as a path to end hostilities. Hezbollah, however, has publicly rejected the agreement.
Key Actors and Their Positions
- Israel Defense Forces (IDF) – Led by Lt. Gen. Zamir, the IDF stresses decisive operations to eliminate threats and warns of rapid offensive action if the ceasefire is breached.
- Hezbollah – An Iranian-funded proxy that built extensive tunnel networks over decades; it opposes the disarmament framework.
- Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) – Charged under the agreement to clear Hezbollah fighters and infrastructure from the Beaufort area.
- United States – Broker of the ceasefire framework and monitor of compliance.
On-the-Ground Incidents
- Reservist Wounded – An IDF reservist was seriously injured in Bint Jbeil after an encounter with a Hezbollah operative; two other soldiers sustained light wounds. An IDF tank fired at nearby structures as part of standard isolation procedures.
- Hezbollah Operative Killed – Egoz Commando troops spotted a Hezbollah fighter emerging from a shaft on the Ali Taher ridge. The Israeli Air Force struck the target, “eliminating the terrorist to remove the threat.” The ridge is reported to house a “massive underground complex” with roughly 30 operatives.
- Tunnel Demolition – The IDF destroyed a 200-meter tunnel in Majdal Zoun, located over 25 m deep, containing hundreds of weapons and multiple rocket-launch shafts.
Data on Tunnel Infrastructure
- Beaufort Ridge – Extensive tunnel network carved deep into the mountain; exact length undisclosed.
- Ali Taher Ridge – Estimated 30 operatives holed up; multiple shafts used for movement.
- Majdal Zoun Tunnel – 200 m long, >25 m deep, housed hundreds of weapons.
- Operations – Four precise strikes on Hezbollah command centers; three command centers neutralized; crossing of the Litani River by the 36th Division cited as a key achievement.
Official Statements
The IDF reiterated that it will “continue operating decisively to remove threats from Lebanese territory” and that “any threat directed at our troops or Israeli civilians will be struck immediately and eliminated.” Zamir praised the 36th Division for crossing the Litani River and weakening Hezbollah, describing the group as “exhausted” and “relying on its Iranian patron.” He called on the LAF to fulfill its obligations under the historic agreement.
Opposition and Criticism
Hezbollah’s leadership has rejected the framework, labeling it an attempt to undermine its armed status. The group’s opposition underscores the risk that violations could trigger the rapid offensive warned about by the IDF.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact number of operatives within the Ali Taher ridge tunnel—one report cites “some 30 operatives,” while no independent verification is provided. The depth and total length of the Beaufort tunnel network remain unspecified.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The Hezbollah terrorist organization, funded and directed by Iran, spent decades constructing underground tunnels throughout the area to threaten northern Israeli communities,” — Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir
- “The military achievements you secured weakened Hezbollah,” — Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir
- “It is exhausted and was defeated in every engagement with our forces, and it is now relying on its Iranian patron to save it.” — Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir
- “The Lebanese Army is required to fulfill its commitment under the historic agreement that was signed and act to clear the area of Hezbollah operatives and terrorist infrastructure,” — Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir
- “I am telling you that I am not in love with Israel, but give me another solution, whatever it may be,” — President Joseph Aoun
Outlook
The IDF has signaled readiness to launch a rapid offensive should Hezbollah breach the ceasefire, while the LAF faces pressure to clear remaining tunnels. Continued U.S. diplomatic engagement will likely shape the next phase of the framework’s implementation and the security dynamics along Israel’s northern border.
