Netanyahu hails destruction of tunnel in southern Lebanon, warns: "They will pay an even more devastating price if they attack again"

[Financial News] Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the operation to destroy Hezbollah’s extensive underground tunnel network in southern Lebanon and warned that Israel would retaliate forcefully if its enemies attacked again.
AFP reported on the 14th (local time) that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a video calling the destruction of Hezbollah positions around Beaufort and the Ali al-Taher ridge an "overwhelming victory" and stating that Israel would "continue dismantling terrorist infrastructure." He added, "I warn our enemies: If you still have not learned your lesson and launch another attack, you will suffer an even more devastating blow," and continued, "There is still work to be completed."
Earlier, the Israeli military blew up a massive tunnel network built beneath the Ali al-Taher ridge on the 10th. The site was reportedly equipped with Hezbollah command headquarters, living facilities, and an arsenal for striking northern Israel and advancing Israeli forces. Huge flames erupted at the site during the blast, and the United States Geological Survey (USGS) detected tremors equivalent to a magnitude 4.1 earthquake.
The blast came a week after the Israeli military said it had strengthened its control over a so-called 'security zone' in southern Lebanon and captured Beaufort Castle, a strategic stronghold. Israel said the tunnel network had been built over the past 20 years with support from Iran, Hezbollah’s patron.
Meanwhile, when a Middle East war broke out following Israel and the United States’ attacks on Iran in late February, Hezbollah declared its solidarity with Iran and drew Lebanon into the escalation by firing rockets at Israel. Israel has continued striking southern Lebanon throughout the war and still occupies the so-called 'security zone.' The Ali al-Taher ridge lies on the outskirts of the security zone, just several kilometers from Beaufort Castle, another strategic stronghold captured by Israel in recent months and a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site.
The two countries signed a U.S.-mediated framework agreement at the end of June. The agreement includes Hezbollah’s disarmament, the phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, and the deployment of Lebanon’s regular army in the area, beginning with pilot zones.



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