Full Breakdown
Israel Demolishes Hezbollah Tunnel Network on Beaufort Ridge
7/31/2026, 10:45:48 AM
Israeli Demolition of the Tunnel System
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) detonated 700 tons of explosives to destroy a Hezbollah tunnel complex beneath the Beaufort Ridge in southern Lebanon. The operation, carried out late on Thursday, targeted “several key underground routes” that the IDF described as central to Hezbollah’s invasion plans against Galilee communities. The military noted that a previous demolition on July 13 had already eliminated part of the network, and the latest strike left most of the tunnel system in the area destroyed.
Trigger: Hezbollah Drone Attack on an IDF Bulldozer
The demolition followed an overnight incident in which a Hezbollah-operated explosive drone struck an unmanned IDF bulldozer on the Ali al-Taher ridge (also referred to as Ali Taher Ridge) near Nabatiya. The IDF Northern Command labeled the strike a “blatant violation” of the cease-fire agreement. No injuries were reported. Hezbollah’s spokesperson later said the group did not claim responsibility and accused Israel of using “false pretexts” for continued attacks.
Context of the Cease-fire and Framework Agreement
The cease-fire, brokered earlier in the year, limits Israeli operations that would capture underground passages, even as the IDF continues to clear and destroy other terror infrastructure. A framework deal reached in June calls for the Lebanese army to deploy in former Hezbollah-held zones, paving the way for an Israeli withdrawal from its buffer zone. Technical teams from Israel and Lebanon are scheduled to meet August 4-6 to advance implementation of this agreement.
Official Statements & Responses
The IDF reiterated its commitment to remain in the security zone and to continue destroying terror infrastructure to prevent Hezbollah from restoring its capabilities.
Key Figures & Numbers
- 700 tons of explosives used in the demolition (Netanyahu/Katz).
- July 13: earlier tunnel demolition in the same area.
- August 4-6: upcoming technical team meetings on the framework agreement.
- March 2: the broader conflict between Hezbollah and Israel reignited after Hezbollah attacked Israel in solidarity with Iran.
These actions illustrate the fragile balance between enforcing the cease-fire, dismantling Hezbollah’s underground capabilities, and pursuing a negotiated path toward a lasting peace.
