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Israel says it has surrounded and trapped dozens of Hezbollah fighters inside a sprawling underground military complex in southern Lebanon, escalating tensions in an area that has witnessed some of the fiercest clashes between the two sides in recent weeks.
According to Israeli military officials, thousands of troops have encircled a large tunnel network beneath the Ali al-Taher ridge, a strategic highland area in southern Lebanon located about six miles from the Israeli border.
The military believes the fighters inside the complex are increasingly cut off from supplies, with food and water reportedly running low.
The underground facility is believed to be one of Hezbollah’s largest military installations in southern Lebanon and serves as the headquarters of the group’s Badr Unit, a key operational force positioned along Israel’s northern frontier.
Israeli officials say the complex has been used for years to coordinate and launch attacks against Israeli territory.
The operation comes despite a ceasefire framework between Israel and Hezbollah, with fighting continuing around the Ali al-Taher ridge in recent days. Israeli forces said they carried out multiple operations against suspected Hezbollah operatives in the area this week, while Hezbollah accused Israel of targeting civilians.
Lebanese officials familiar with the situation said the tunnel network was built over more than two decades, reportedly with Iranian support. The facility lies near the historic Beaufort Castle, a strategic hilltop position captured by Israeli forces earlier this month as part of a broader military advance.
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Israel said the seizure of Beaufort was only the first phase of a month-long operation aimed at reaching the underground complex. Military officials described the facility as a critical Hezbollah command centre capable of supporting missile launches and other operations against Israel.
Satellite imagery reviewed by analysts shows extensive airstrikes and significant destruction around the Ali al-Taher ridge and nearby communities in recent weeks. Several buildings in the area have been damaged or destroyed as fighting intensified.
The latest confrontation has raised concerns about regional stability and could complicate broader diplomatic efforts involving Iran and the United States. Analysts warn that a prolonged siege or a major assault on the tunnel complex could trigger a wider escalation across the border region.
Israeli military officials said they believe the trapped fighters are weighing their options, including surrender, continued resistance or waiting for a change in the military situation. For now, troops remain positioned around the complex as the standoff enters a critical phase.
The situation has drawn comparisons to previous tunnel sieges in Gaza, where militant fighters were trapped behind Israeli lines during military operations.
Whether the current standoff ends through surrender, negotiation or further combat remains unclear as tensions continue to rise in southern Lebanon.
