An underground menace has been dealt a severe blow.
According to The Jerusalem Post, Israel recently collapsed a vast Hezbollah tunnel network using an unprecedented amount of explosives beneath a Lebanese village near its border.
Brigadier General Guy Levy, commander of the 98th Division, sanctioned the deployment of 400 tons of explosives to obliterate the tunnel complex that threatened Israel's security.
The explosives were set by a Yahalom officer, sparking tremors so strong that they were mistaken for an earthquake by local detection systems. This underground labyrinth was not just a route for attacks but a fully equipped hideout, complete with command centers, sleeping quarters, and provisions.
Extensive Intelligence and Military Operation
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) commenced ground maneuvers in Southern Lebanon two weeks before discovering the tunnels. Situated 800 meters from the Israeli border, opposite Kibbutz Misgav Am, this network was primarily used by the Hezbollah Radwan Force. This revelation came after days of intense searching, with the final breakthrough aided by Israel Security Agency Shin Bet, pinpointing the tunnel's hidden entrances.
Col. Ami Biton spoke of the challenging operational conditions. "Before locating it, there was nothing but tough resistance," he noted. The discovery was crucial as it prevented an organized plan to overwhelm Israeli defenses with bombardments followed by large-scale infiltrations.
Colonel Ami Biton reflected on the complexities of combat and the intentions behind Hezbollah's strategy. "When [former Hezbollah secretary-general Hassan] Nasrallah spoke of conquering the Galilee, he meant terrorists emerging from underground and rushing to the Israeli border," he elucidated.
Unprecedented Logistical Efforts in Tunnel Destruction
A significant assembly of intelligence, engineering, and technological expertise collaborated to plan and execute the demolition over four nights meticulously. This strategy ensured that all preparations were seamlessly synchronized for maximum effect.
An IDF officer shared details about the urgent need to devise a method to destroy the tunnel. "Suddenly, everyone was asking how to destroy this thing," he recalled, emphasizing the quick pivot to a tactical response involving numerous experts.
Safety was paramount during the high-risk explosion. A trio of commanders, including the company commander of the Paratrooper Reconnaissance Unit and the Yahalom company commander, were ultimately responsible for the setup. "Everything was constructed to ensure full control, even if an incident occurred midway," an official stated, underlining the meticulousness of the operation.
The Massive Explosion's Aftermath
The design of the explosion was intended to ensure that all force was directed inward, to avoid any unintended consequences. "We wanted the entire explosion contained within. For the ground to rise and fall, and then everything collapses inward," explained a soldier involved in the operation.
This operation not only demonstrated a high degree of coordination between different military branches but also highlighted the complexities of modern warfare where battles are as much about outmaneuvering in intelligence as they are in firepower. Shin Bet's involvement was pivotal. "Without the Shin Bet, we would never have found the entrances. This success is thanks to intelligence working hand in hand with combat forces," military sources stated about the collaborative effort.
The successful collapse of the tunnel system marked a significant setback for Hezbollah's operational capabilities against Israel. It also serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing tensions in the region and the constant vigilance required by Israeli forces to maintain security. The operation not only secured the immediate area but also sent a resounding message about Israel's readiness and ability to act decisively against threats.
The destruction of this significant Hezbollah infrastructure underpins the importance of intelligence and on-the-ground bravery exhibited by those who risk their lives for national security. It underscores our enduring support and admiration for the first responders and military personnel dedicated to protecting their country under challenging conditions.
