Full Breakdown
Israeli Demolition of Hezbollah’s Ali Taher Ridge Underground Network
By Drooid · · How we work
Operation Overview
In early September 2026, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) completed a multi-month campaign to destroy an extensive underground complex that Hezbollah had built beneath the Ali Taher Ridge in southern Lebanon. The operation involved the 36th Division, Commando Brigade, Yahalom elite combat engineers, Golani Reconnaissance Unit and other units. After detonating more than 1,100 tons of explosives, the IDF withdrew from the ridge, retaining positions along the “yellow line” cease-fire demarcation and at the Beaufort complex to monitor the area.
Background & Context
Hezbollah’s Badr Unit constructed the ridge network over two decades with Iranian financing and direction, according to IDF statements. The complex housed command rooms, weapons stores, generators, living quarters, showers and a kitchen, enabling fighters to operate underground for extended periods. Its high-ground location allowed Hezbollah to direct fire toward northern Israeli communities and to resist Israeli advances. Israeli officials have described the ridge and surrounding “security zone” as covering roughly 700 sq km from the Mediterranean coast to Mount Hermon.
Data & Statistics
- Tunnel length: Reports vary; some outlets describe the network as “more than two kilometres,” while others give higher estimates.
- Explosives used: Over 1,100 tons (?1,210 U.S. tons) of high-explosive material.
- Seismic impact: The September 10 detonations generated ground vibrations measured as a magnitude 4.1 event near Nabatieh.
- Hezbollah personnel: The IDF estimated roughly 50 fighters were present, the overwhelming majority were killed, with at least 10 killed while attempting to reinforce the site.
Official Statements & Responses
Defense Minister Israel Katz emphasized that the ridge lies within Israel’s security zone and that forces will remain until Hezbollah is fully disarmed, warning that any approach would be met with force. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated the commitment to maintain the zone. Northern Command chief Maj. Gen. Rafi Milo and 36th Division commander Brig. Gen. Yiftach Norkin were credited with securing approval for the mission. The IDF reported no immediate Iranian retaliation and assessed the likelihood of broader escalation as relatively low.
Verbatim Quotes
- “As Prime Minister Netanyahu and I have made clear many times, we are not leaving the security zone, and the IDF will not withdraw or redeploy until Hezbollah is disarmed throughout Lebanon,” — Israel Katz, defense minister
- “Anyone who approaches the ridge will be destroyed,” — Israel Katz, defense minister
Why It Matters
The demolition removes what Israeli officials consider Hezbollah’s primary underground command hub in southern Lebanon, reducing the group’s capacity to launch cross-border attacks and reinforcing Israel’s claim to a permanent security zone. The seismic event underscored the scale of the demolition and drew regional attention to the intensity of the conflict. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has postponed further negotiations, citing continued Israeli strikes and the need for prisoner returns, reconstruction and disarmament of Hezbollah in “pilot zones.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Tunnel length: Sources differ, with some describing the network as “more than two kilometres” and others offering higher, unverified figures.
- Seismic magnitude: Only Wired provided a specific magnitude (4.1) for the September 10 event; other outlets did not quantify the impact.
These discrepancies highlight the limited publicly available intelligence on the full scope of the underground network.