Israel Blows Up Hezbollah Tunnel Near Beaufort Castle With 700 Tons as Ceasefire Frays
Updated
Updated · Al Jazeera English · Jul 30
Israel Blows Up Hezbollah Tunnel Near Beaufort Castle With 700 Tons as Ceasefire Frays
3 articles · Updated · Al Jazeera English · Jul 30
Summary
Powerful midnight blasts near Lebanon’s Beaufort Castle marked Israel’s demolition of a Hezbollah tunnel system that Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz said was tied to plans to infiltrate Galilee communities.
700 tons of explosives were used in the operation, which Israel cast as part of its campaign to dismantle Hezbollah infrastructure in southern Lebanon despite the June 26 US-brokered framework agreement.
Qlayaa residents reported shattered windows and shockwaves, while Lebanon’s NNA also said Israeli forces destroyed caves and houses near al-Mansouri and Majdal Zoun and set off more explosions around Yohmor al-Shaqif, Arnoun and Kfar Tebnit.
The blasts came a week after UNESCO placed the Crusader-era Beaufort Castle on its List of World Heritage in Danger and as Lebanese leaders pressed for a full Israeli withdrawal rather than the accord’s “redeployment” language.
Israel’s forces have advanced more than 10 km into southern Lebanon, and Lebanon says Israeli attacks since March 2 have killed 4,333 people and wounded 12,236.
Will detonating 700 tons of explosives under Beaufort ridge finally secure Israel's north, or ignite an even deadlier regional war?
As Israel systematically flattens Hezbollah's subterranean fortresses, what is the ultimate fate of the million displaced civilians caught in the crossfire?