The Israeli military recently located and dismantled a more than 300-foot-long underground tunnel that was being used by Hezbollah’s Radwan Forces as a hideout for terrorist activities in southern Lebanon. The IDF discovered the tunnel during operations aimed at preventing weapons from falling into the hands of Hezbollah, which had been attacking Israel for over a year before a ceasefire was reached. The tunnel contained weapons such as rifles, machine guns, anti-tank missiles, and observation systems, all of which were confiscated and destroyed by the Israeli troops along with the tunnel itself. Additionally, an anti-tank missile stockpile and heavy machine gun positions aimed at IDF posts were found in the vicinity of the tunnel.
In response to the discovery and destruction of the tunnel, the United Nations peacekeeping force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) called for Israeli forces to withdraw from southern Lebanon, citing violations of the terms of a ceasefire agreement with Iran-backed Hezbollah. The agreement, brokered by the U.S., includes a phased Israeli military pullout from the region and the requirement for Hezbollah fighters to move north of the Litani River. UNIFIL expressed concern over the continued destruction of residential areas, farmland, and infrastructure in southern Lebanon by Israeli forces. The peacekeeping force urged the full implementation of Resolution 1701 as a comprehensive path toward peace in the region.
The ceasefire arrangement between Israel and Hezbollah allows for a 60-day period for Israeli forces to withdraw from south Lebanon and prohibits offensive operations by either side. However, the Lebanese army stated that it was following up with UNIFIL and the ceasefire committee regarding Israel’s continued operations in the region. UNIFIL reassured that it would continue to monitor the area south of the Litani River to ensure it remains free of armed personnel and weapons, except those belonging to the Lebanese government and UNIFIL. The Israeli military responded to UNIFIL’s concerns by stating that they were looking into the criticism but offered no further comment.
The discovery and destruction of the underground tunnel by Israeli troops highlight the ongoing tensions in the region between Israel and Hezbollah. The presence of weapons and sophisticated surveillance systems in the tunnel indicate the continued threat posed by Hezbollah to Israel’s security. The calls by UNIFIL for the full implementation of the ceasefire agreement and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon underscore the importance of maintaining peace in the region. It remains to be seen how the situation will unfold in the coming days and weeks as both sides navigate the terms of the ceasefire and work towards a lasting resolution to the conflict.
