IDF forces from the 36th Division are continuing to clear the massive tunnel network beneath the Beaufort Ridge, where they’ve uncovered command centers, anti-tank positions, mortars, anti-aircraft machine guns, and weapons depots built over years with Iranian funding. In recent days, Hezbollah operatives were spotted fleeing from one of the underground routes and were killed in an Air Force strike after attempting to escape. Meanwhile, the full scope of the divisional operation that led to the crossing of the Litani River, the capture of the Beaufort Ridge, and control over terror infrastructure threatening Metula and the Hula Valley is coming to light.
3+The IDF Spokesperson released footage Thursday evening of operations by the Commando Brigade Combat Team and the Yahalom unit, operating under the 36th Division and directed by Military Intelligence and Northern Command, as they deepen the clearing of the underground tunnel network beneath the Beaufort Ridge in southern Lebanon.
This is an extensive underground infrastructure planned and built over years with funding from the Iranian terror regime, and it served as a central asset for Hezbollah in managing combat operations. During the clearing of the tunnels, large quantities of combat equipment were found, including mortar shells, fragmentation grenades, RPG launchers, Kornet missiles, anti-aircraft machine guns, and Kalashnikov rifles.
3+In recent days, fighters from the Egoz unit worked to locate shafts and underground routes in the area. During the operation, a Yahalom unit drone spotted terrorists inside one of the tunnels. The terrorists fired at the drone and fled the scene, but shortly afterward they were located along with additional terrorists trying to escape from the tunnel. The Air Force, directed by forces on the ground, struck and killed all the terrorists.
Behind the current operation stands a broad operational move that pushed the 36th Division deep into southern Lebanon. The division was the first to cross the Litani River and reach the Beaufort Ridge, after an extended preparation period that included deception operations, preliminary commando raids, clearing of terror infrastructure, and preparation of movement routes. As part of the move, a complex crossing of the Litani River was carried out using bridging equipment brought into the area after weeks of preparation.
3+The advance toward the Beaufort included seizing Hezbollah’s main defensive lines between the Litani and Saluki. During the fighting, Givati forces led the advance and were first to capture the Zawtar compound, while operations by Givati and the 7th Brigade enabled the continued attack toward the Beaufort Ridge and control over the area dominating Metula and the Hula Valley.
During operations in the area, a massive infrastructure system built over years was uncovered. According to findings on the ground, bunkers and combat infrastructure were found in almost every house, alongside rockets aimed at the Galilee Panhandle, anti-tank missiles ready to launch, and additional combat equipment. On the Beaufort Ridge itself, an entire underground “city” was uncovered, including command centers, weapons depots, anti-tank firing positions, mortar positions, anti-aircraft machine guns, and additional infrastructure designed to allow Hezbollah to continue fighting even under heavy strikes.
3+The IDF describes the scale of the infrastructure as exceptionally large. Some of the compounds uncovered include advanced underground infrastructure, with living areas, command centers, and fortified compounds built over years as part of Hezbollah’s operational array in southern Lebanon. Alongside the fighting in the infrastructure, forces continue to engage terrorists operating in the area. Over the past month, all division units have killed more than one hundred terrorists, including Radwan Force operatives. According to the data, dozens of terrorists were also killed during fighting in the Litani area and during the advance toward the Beaufort Ridge.
Despite the severe blow the terror organization has suffered, clashes with Hezbollah terrorists in the area continue as they still try to operate terror cells, mainly using explosive drones and anti-tank missiles. The security establishment assesses that the forces’ hold on the Beaufort and the areas dominating the border prevents infiltration attempts into Israeli territory and enables continued exposure of infrastructure and weapons remaining in the area.
In recent weeks, three fighters from the Givati Brigade fell during operations in the sector. At the same time, the IDF emphasizes there is no shortage of forces and that the mission is not yet complete. The operational achievement required at this stage is continued hold on the Beaufort Ridge, locating and destroying remaining terror infrastructure in the area, and continued strikes on Hezbollah operatives. The IDF estimates significant work remains in the Litani area and on the Beaufort Ridge, and that operations are expected to continue in the coming weeks until completion of the operational missions set for the sector.