A cloud of silica dust covering the hills in the Arnoun and Shaqif areas, near Beaufort Castle, after a series of detonations carried out by Israeli forces on July 31, 2026. (Credit: AFP)
BEIRUT — The destruction of a Hezbollah tunnel network near Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon on July 31 dealt a major strategic blow to the group, according to information presented to Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz and reported by the Jerusalem Post.
Israel used hundreds of tons of explosives to destroy the tunnels in the Beaufort Castle area, also known as Shaqif, as well as other infrastructure in the Ali Taher area.
Israeli army officials from the Northern Command said Israel had known for years about underground tunnels built by Iran and Hezbollah in the region. They said they were now concerned that similar infrastructure could still exist elsewhere in southern Lebanon.
"Our assessment is that the Lebanese Army is not able to deal with these sites," the officials told the Jerusalem Post. They added that Hezbollah could continue to maintain strategic assets if Israel is not authorized to act because of U.S. restrictions. The newspaper did not provide evidence to support the claims.
An Israeli security official said military intelligence and the Northern Command had gained a better understanding of the scale of the underground network and its role in Hezbollah’s plans to seize the Galilee and maintain a presence there.
Northern Command officials also claimed that the Israeli army had strengthened its control over Hezbollah’s main areas of activity in southern Lebanon despite the cease-fire.
Israel and Lebanon are currently holding talks in Rome on measures under a framework agreement reached in June to maintain the cease-fire and disarm Hezbollah.
Israel has repeatedly said it will not withdraw from southern Lebanon if Hezbollah rejects the agreement, despite calls from Lebanese authorities for an Israeli withdrawal.
