Israeli forces have shifted their focus from destroying Hamas' underground network in Gaza to dismantling tunnels and hideouts belonging to Hezbollah militants in southern Lebanon. This move comes in response to Hamas' deadly raid into Israel last year, which triggered the war in Gaza, prompting Israel to prevent a similar incursion from its northern border.
The Israeli military has been conducting operations in southern Lebanon for the past two weeks, uncovering what it claims are Hezbollah's deep attack capabilities. This includes a tunnel system equipped with weapons caches and rocket launchers that pose a direct threat to nearby communities.
Hezbollah, backed by Iran and known for calling for Israel's destruction, has a significant presence in southern Lebanon. The group has established a military infrastructure within villages, utilizing tunnels to store weapons and launch attacks.
Unlike Hamas' tunnels in Gaza, Hezbollah's tunnels in southern Lebanon are carved into solid rock, indicating a substantial investment of time, money, and expertise. Israel has found hundreds of underground positions, many stocked with supplies and weapons, and has been destroying or rendering them unusable.
Hezbollah's tunnels have hindered Israel's ground campaign in southern Lebanon, with the group using them to evade Israeli airstrikes and ground forces. Israel has reported finding tunnels stocked with supplies, weapons, and even armed Hezbollah fighters hiding inside.
Israel believes that Hezbollah was planning a large-scale offensive against northern Israeli communities, citing the tunnels as evidence of such intentions. Former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah had hinted at launching an attack on northern Israel, with Hezbollah staging simulations of incursions in the past.
Despite encountering resistance from Hezbollah's tunnels, Israel maintains that its mission in Lebanon is succeeding, having killed hundreds of Hezbollah fighters. The conflict in southern Lebanon continues to escalate, with both sides engaged in a high-stakes battle for control.
