Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz said early Friday that Israeli forces destroyed a major network of Hezbollah Tunnels in southern Lebanon. The operation marked one of Israel’s largest military actions since the latest ceasefire agreement. Powerful overnight explosions shook several towns across southern Lebanon, raising fresh concerns about regional stability.

Israeli officials said the tunnel network in the Beaufort area formed a key part of Hezbollah’s alleged plan to infiltrate communities in the Galilee. They said Israeli forces used about 700 tonnes of explosives to destroy the underground infrastructure. Officials described the mission as part of Israel’s wider campaign to dismantle Hezbollah’s military capabilities.

More than 100 words into the operation, the Hezbollah Tunnels remained at the centre of growing regional tensions. Israeli officials accused Hezbollah of violating the ceasefire agreement. Lebanese media reported powerful explosions after Israeli forces detonated explosives near Hadatha, the outskirts of Deir Mimas, Beaufort Castle, Arnoun, and Yahmar.

The operation took place despite the US-backed framework agreement signed by Lebanon and Israel on June 26. The deal calls for a gradual Israeli withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territory. In return, the Lebanese army would deploy across the south while armed groups would disarm.

On July 21, the Lebanese army began deploying troops in Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh during the first phase of the agreement. The town serves as one of the pilot areas for implementing the ceasefire plan.

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Israeli forces still hold several positions in southern Lebanon. Some areas have remained under Israeli control for decades, while others were captured during the 2023–2024 conflict. During the latest operation, Israeli troops advanced more than 10 kilometres into Lebanese territory.

Lebanon’s National News Agency reported massive overnight explosions across Yohmor al-Chqif, Arnoun, and Kfar Tebnit following Israeli military activity. Residents in el-Kharroub and Khalde also felt strong shockwaves.

Explosions near Beaufort Castle shattered windows and damaged homes in the nearby town of Qlayaa. Residents reported intense vibrations and a heavy smell of gunpowder after the blasts.

The National News Agency also said Israeli forces opened heavy machinegun fire around al-Mansouri and Biyout al-Sayyad in the Tyre District. Israeli artillery shelled al-Mansouri, while tanks moved from Baraachit hill toward Aainata in the Bint Jbeil District. Heavy explosions continued across both the eastern and western sectors of southern Lebanon.

According to Lebanon’s Health Ministry, Israeli military operations since March 2 have killed 4,333 people and injured 12,236 others. The latest fighting highlights the ongoing humanitarian impact of the conflict despite international efforts to preserve the ceasefire.