As Israel continues to partner with the United States in Operation Epic Fury to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, it is simultaneously expanding its military campaign against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, targeting one of Iran’s key regional proxies.
In recent weeks, Israel has reported eliminating dozens of Hezbollah commanders and operatives during operations across Lebanon. On Saturday, just a day before a possible final round of Iran-US peace negotiations, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it struck at least 70 Hezbollah targets.
According to the IDF, seven Hezbollah terrorists were killed while operating from an underground route in southern Lebanon.
In a post on X, the IDF stated: “7 Hezbollah terrorists operating from an underground route in southern Lebanon. The route was used by the terrorists to store ammunition, mortars, and food supplies to support attacks against IDF soldiers from the area. Following their elimination, Kalashnikov rifles and military equipment were located on the terrorists.”
Israeli forces also reported discovering additional underground infrastructure used by Hezbollah. Sharing images of recovered weapons, the IDF wrote: “Weapons located in one of Hezbollah’s underground terror tunnels.”
The military added that the operation in the Beaufort Ridge area aims to dismantle Hezbollah’s military capabilities and prevent attacks on northern Israeli communities.
“For this very reason, the IDF launched the operation in the Beaufort Ridge: to dismantle Hezbollah’s threat, prevent them from using the ridge to target northern communities, and dismantle the underground tunnel network beneath it,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, attention has shifted to the expected final phase of negotiations between Iran and the United States.
President Donald Trump indicated that a peace agreement could be finalized soon and suggested that, if a deal is reached, the Strait of Hormuz—one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes—would remain open for international navigation.
Earlier, Israel rejected Iranian demands that it halt its military operations against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon as a condition related to broader regional negotiations.
Israeli officials have maintained that operations against Hezbollah will continue until the group’s military infrastructure and cross-border threats are significantly degraded, arguing that the campaign is necessary to ensure the security of northern Israeli communities.
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