Story perspectives

IDF Destroys Hezbollah Tunnels Under Beaufort Ridge, Damages Castle

8/1/2026

Center

IDF Destroys Tunnels

The Israeli Defense Forces detonated Hezbollah’s tunnel network beneath the Beaufort Ridge in Lebanon on July 31, 2026.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz said the demolition responded to Hezbollah’s cease-fire breach with an explosive drone.
The operation was scheduled earlier but delayed due to the June framework cease-fire agreement.
IDF tracks a Hezbollah tunnel system near Nabatieh but cannot capture it because cease-fire limits.

Left

IDF Blasts Tunnels

The Israeli Defense Forces detonated Hezbollah tunnels beneath the Beaufort Ridge in southern Lebanon on July 31, 2026.
The explosions damaged homes, shattered windows in Qlayaa, harmed the UNESCO-listed Beaufort Castle, and contributed to 4,333 deaths and 12,236 injuries since March 2.
Residents of Metula and Misgav Am were told to open windows because shockwaves could break glass.
Hezbollah’s tunnel network had launched UAVs, FPV drones and anti-tank missiles at Israeli forces.

Blindspot

The Lebanese Health Ministry said Israeli attacks since March 2 have killed 4,333 people and injured 12,236 civilians in Lebanon, according to official figures.
Within this story's sources, this civilian-casualty angle appears mainly in Left-leaning coverage and receives less attention in Center-leaning coverage.

History

Historical Context

In July 2006 Israel began a large air campaign against Hezbollah’s tunnel network, targeting underground sites. After the UN-brokered ceasefire on 14 August 2006, the UN recorded about 1,191 Lebanese civilian deaths and noted repeated Israeli air violations. The 2026 demolition of tunnels beneath Beaufort Ridge repeats this strategy of targeting subterranean launch points.

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IDF Destroys Tunnels

The Israeli Defense Forces detonated Hezbollah’s tunnel network beneath the Beaufort Ridge in Lebanon on July 31, 2026.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz said the demolition responded to Hezbollah’s cease-fire breach with an explosive drone.
The operation was scheduled earlier but delayed due to the June framework cease-fire agreement.
IDF tracks a Hezbollah tunnel system near Nabatieh but cannot capture it because cease-fire limits.

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