The latest

Israel’s military said Thursday that it completed the demolition of a major Hezbollah underground network beneath the Ali Taher ridge near Nabatieh, using more than 1,100 tons of explosives. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz described the operation as “the completion of Israel’s control of the strategic ridge,” a fortified position south of the Litani River.

Details

• Underground complex: The eight tunnels stretched more than 5.4 kilometers and had been developed over two decades. They contained command centers, weapons rooms, generators, living quarters, showers and a kitchen, allowing Hezbollah operatives to remain underground during prolonged combat operations.
• Weapons discovered: Before the demolition, Israeli forces found dozens of explosive drones, other drones, machine guns, anti-tank missiles, hundreds of mines, RPG rockets and additional explosive devices inside the network.
• Strategic function: The IDF said the ridge served as a command center for Hezbollah’s Badr regional division, responsible for territory north of the Litani. Israeli officials said the position could support attacks against northern Israel, including Metula and Kiryat Shmona.
• Defrin’s account: Israeli troops first secured the ridge above ground and then intensified pressure on Hezbollah personnel sheltering below. IDF spokesman Brig. Gen. Effi Defrin called the demolition “the culmination of a ground operation involving deception and tactical maneuvering.” He said some operatives fled while others were killed by airstrikes and artillery fire, adding that Hezbollah “had previously pledged to defend the tunnels but ultimately abandoned some of its personnel.”
• Seismic impact: Lebanon’s Seismological Center recorded a magnitude 4.1 earthquake following the explosions, underscoring the scale of the charges detonated across the underground installation.
• Ceasefire tensions: The demolition followed an April ceasefire that reduced but did not end hostilities. Israel continues operating within what it calls a security zone extending roughly 10 kilometers into Lebanon. Hezbollah had launched rockets toward Israel in March in support of Iran during the U.S.-Israeli air campaign against Tehran.
• Iranian warning: Iran warned the United States that it would retaliate against an Israeli attack on the Hezbollah installation at the foot of the ridge, Reuters reported last week. Israeli forces had already captured and secured the site before the warning.

Background

Lebanon, Israel and the United States signed a framework agreement in June calling for the Lebanese state to reassert territorial control through the verified disarmament of non-state armed groups. Israel withdrew from three pilot areas after Lebanese forces deployed there, but linked further withdrawals to dismantling Hezbollah’s military capabilities. Hezbollah rejects the demand for its disarmament.

What’s next

The next indicator will be whether Lebanese forces deploy to additional areas under the June framework, triggering further Israeli withdrawals. Israel says its forces will remain in the security zone and prevent Hezbollah from re-establishing its presence until disarmament advances.