Israel says it uncovered major Hezbollah tunnel network near Beaufort Castle
The Israeli military reported the discovery of a multi‑level underground facility near Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon, describing it as a command centre built with Iranian support and saying it is now being destroyed.
The Israel Defense Forces said it has located a large underground complex near Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon that it attributes to Hezbollah and claims was built with Iranian assistance. The tunnel system, described as extending several levels deep into the rock, is said to have housed hundreds of operatives and included infrastructure such as water, electricity, living quarters, an operating room, kitchens and storage for weapons, including anti‑tank missiles.
IDF spokesperson Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin said the operation aimed to gain control of the area, which is within six kilometres of the Israeli town of Metula, and to demolish the tunnel network that the military views as a threat to civilians in northern Israel. He added that the site had been targeted from the air and that ground forces were now working to destroy it.
According to the military, the tunnel was situated in a civilian zone that also hosts Lebanese army activity. The IDF said it had previously requested Lebanese authorities to address the site, but that Hezbollah prevented access. The statement noted that Hezbollah had launched more than 400 rockets, as well as drones and missiles, from the vicinity during the current conflict.
The disclosure comes amid an escalation of hostilities along the Israel‑Lebanon border, including recent attacks by Hezbollah and a retaliatory strike by Iran on northern Israel. The IDF has previously reported finding similar tunnels in the region that it says were constructed with Iranian guidance.