Israeli Forces Detonate Tunnel in Southern Lebanon Amid Ceasefire Tensions with Hezbollah
Israeli forces destroyed a large tunnel in southern Lebanon and carried out additional strikes in the south, while Hezbollah warned it reserves the right to respond, escalating tensions despite a recently signed ceasefire framework.
The Israel Defense Forces said it detonated a tunnel exceeding 200 metres in length and more than 25 metres deep in southern Lebanon, claiming it contained weapons and launch shafts intended for attacks against Israel. The military also said it had informed the United States in advance of the operation.
Lebanese state media, the National News Agency, reported multiple strikes in the south, including the city of Nabatieh, while health authorities said two people were injured by an Israeli stun grenade. Smoke was also seen near the coastal city of Tyre after reports of explosions near the village of Majdal Zoun.
The escalation comes shortly after a US-sponsored trilateral framework agreement aimed at easing tensions and paving the way for peace and the disarmament of Hezbollah. Despite this, Hezbollah described the Israeli actions as a violation of the ceasefire and said it would continue to monitor and respond to developments.
Hezbollah leaders and allies rejected the agreement, calling it an attempt to undermine Lebanon’s sovereignty, while political tensions also rose internally over its implementation. Lebanese officials, including President Joseph Aoun, said the country would work to implement the agreement, which links Israeli withdrawal from occupied areas to Hezbollah’s disarmament.
Israel, however, has insisted its forces will remain in Lebanon as long as Hezbollah retains weapons, while Hezbollah maintains the deal is invalid and an infringement on national sovereignty.
