Israel NeutralizesHezbollah Tunnel, Targets South Lebanon

The Israeli military successfully neutralized a Hezbollah-operated tunnel in southern Lebanon, according to officials, marking a significant strike in a region under heightened tension.

This action followed a trilateral agreement signed on Friday with US support, aimed at fostering peace between Lebanon and Israel while addressing Iran-backed Hezbollah’s presence.

Lebanese authorities reported multiple strikes in the southern city of Nabatieh, with health officials noting injuries from an Israeli stun grenade. The strike comes amid ongoing efforts to enforce disarmament of Hezbollah as part of the negotiated terms.

The tunnel, spanning over 200 meters and buried more than 25 meters deep, held hundreds of weapons and launch sites targeting Israel, as stated by defense officials.

Israeli authorities confirmed advance notification to the US and its Lebanese representative prior to the operation.

Reports from Tyre, near the detonation site, indicated local residents evacuated due to media alerts about potential Israeli actions.

Hezbollah’s involvement in the conflict escalated in March with rocket attacks aimed at Israel, prompting Israel’s retaliatory airstrikes and ground operations.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun reaffirmed commitment to the agreement during a call with US President Donald Trump, stressing the need for Beirut to uphold its obligations.

The deal requires Lebanon to establish “pilot zones” where its military would dismantle Hezbollah’s infrastructure, a condition for potential Israeli withdrawal from occupied areas.

Israeli leaders called the operation a strategic victory against Iran, while Defense Minister Israel Katz emphasized continued military presence until Hezbollah is fully disarmed.

Hezbollah has vehemently rejected the agreement, labeling it a “surrender of sovereignty” and vowing to treat it as invalid. Protests in Beirut, including burning “Lebanon first” signs and removal of pro-Iran billboards, reflect growing domestic opposition.

The group’s leader, Naim Qassem, dismissed the deal as a failed political move, while Tehran reiterated its demand for Lebanon’s inclusion in broader ceasefire negotiations.

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