IDF official statements and news reports

IDF Neutralizes Hezbollah Tunnel Crossing 10 Meters Into Israel Near Zar'it, First Since 2018

Oct 8, 2024, 04:06 PM

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have discovered and neutralized a Hezbollah tunnel that crossed approximately 10 meters into Israeli territory from Lebanon near the settlement of Zar'it. Located several months ago during a secret operation, the tunnel, which had no exit point in Israel, has been dismantled by troops from the Commando Brigade and the elite Yahalom Unit. According to the IDF, this is the first such tunnel crossing into Israel discovered since 2018. The tunnel is believed to have been under construction for approximately two years and was used by Hezbollah operatives to approach the Israeli border covertly. During the operation, Israeli forces found and destroyed underground caches containing weapons, explosive devices, and anti-tank missiles within the tunnel. The tunnel's path breached the UN-recognized Blue Line by about 10 to 20 meters but posed no immediate threat to nearby towns due to the absence of an exit point on the Israeli side. The IDF has released footage of the tunnel's interior and stated that they will continue limited, localized, and targeted ground operations to eliminate such threats.