Israel detonated tunnels in southern Lebanon; powerful explosions near Beaufort Fortress
The army announced it destroyed a tunnel network linked to Hezbollah; the explosions shook the southern part of the country and caused material damage.
Israeli forces carried out a series of powerful detonations near the Beaufort Fortress in southern Lebanon, saying they destroyed a network of tunnels they claim belonged to Hezbollah and were intended for infiltrations into Israeli communities in the Galilee. According to Israeli authorities, around 700 tons of explosives were used in the operation.
Explosions were felt across much of the south
The Lebanese National News Agency (NNA) reported the explosions occurred around midnight and were felt across a large part of southern Lebanon. In the town of Klaya, windows of several houses were shattered, and residents reported strong shock waves.
Israeli statements say that, in addition to the tunnels, caves and houses were destroyed near Al-Mansouri and Majdal Zun in the Tyre district. Strong explosions were also recorded in the areas of Yohmor al-Shakif, Arnoun and Kfar Tebnit.
The events come only a few weeks after the signing of the framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon in Washington, which envisaged a reduction of tensions along the shared border.
Lebanese President Michel Aoun said the priority is the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory and the return of displaced residents to their homes. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that Turkey is ready to join any initiative that will improve stability and security in the region, that Ankara will continue to support the Lebanese Army, and that it is prepared to assist in the reconstruction of southern Lebanon.
The leader of the Lebanese Druze, Walid Jumblatt, criticized the agreement between Lebanon and Israel, arguing that it does not guarantee a full withdrawal of Israeli forces but only their redeployment, which he described as a serious danger. According to the Lebanese Ministry of Health, since the start of the latest Israeli operations on March 2, 4,333 people have been killed in the attacks and more than 12,200 have been injured.
Photo: Illustration/ EPA/ ATEF SAFADI
