Israeli Forces Destroy Hezbollah Tunnel Crossing Into Israeli Territory

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Tuesday that it had destroyed a Hezbollah terrorist tunnel that crossed approximately 10 meters (33 feet) into Israeli territory from Lebanon. The tunnel, located near the agricultural community of Zar’it in the Upper Galilee, was found during an ongoing IDF counter-terrorism operation aimed at dismantling Hezbollah’s infrastructure in Southern Lebanon.

Though the tunnel had no exit point within Israel, it crossed the Blue Line, the U.N.-recognized border established after Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanon in 2000. According to the IDF, elite troops discovered the tunnel in recent months and maintained full operational control of it, preventing Hezbollah from using it to launch attacks on northern Israeli civilians.

The IDF reported that inside the tunnel, soldiers found a cache of weapons, including anti-tank missiles and explosive devices. This operation is part of Israel’s broader effort to secure its northern border and eliminate Hezbollah’s capacity to carry out attacks from Lebanon. The military confirmed that no additional tunnels have been found so far.

Residents of Zar’it, Sara and Zion Arbiv, expressed relief at the tunnel’s destruction but noted they had long suspected Hezbollah was tunneling into Israeli territory. "Everyone said we were imagining it," the couple told Walla News. The Arbivs emphasized the daily threat they face living near the border and urged the IDF to provide stronger protection for the area, especially in light of the October 7 Hamas attack.

“We’re relieved the tunnel was discovered before Hezbollah could use it, especially considering how disastrous it could have been if an invasion had occurred on October 7,” the Arbivs said, referring to the recent Hamas assault.

The IDF has stated it will continue its targeted ground operations and airstrikes in Southern Lebanon until Hezbollah is no longer a threat to northern Israeli communities.

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