Israeli forces carried out powerful detonations near Lebanon’s UNESCO-listed Beaufort Castle on Friday, July 31st, 2026, destroying a tunnel system they say was part of Hezbollah’s plan to infiltrate Israeli communities in the Galilee.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported using approximately 700 tonnes of explosives in the operation, describing it as part of an ongoing campaign to dismantle Hezbollah’s infrastructure in southern Lebanon. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz stated that the tunnels targeted were a key component of Hezbollah’s infiltration strategy.

These strikes come despite a United States-brokered ceasefire agreement and ongoing Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon. Israel had agreed in June to a phased withdrawal from Lebanon, with plans for the Lebanese military to handle disarming Hezbollah.

Since March 2nd, 2026, Israeli attacks on Lebanon have resulted in 4,333 deaths and 12,236 injuries, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry. The conflict has also caused significant displacement and hardship for Lebanese civilians.

In response, Lebanese officials, including President Michel Aoun, have expressed determination to achieve a full Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory and the return of displaced people to their homes.

Sources