The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) destroyed an extensive Hezbollah underground military tunnel in southern Lebanon near the township of Majdal Zoun on June 28, 2026. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10] The tunnel measured over 200 meters in length and exceeded 25 meters in depth. It contained several hundred weapons and multiple rocket launch sites intended for attacks against Israeli territory and civilians, according to Israeli officials. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10]
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, "The tunnel, over 200 meters long and 25 meters deep, contained hundreds of weapons and multiple launch sites intended for attacks against Israel and its civilians. We notified the United States and US representatives in Lebanon before the operation. Our forces will continue to stay in the southern security zone and dismantle terrorist infrastructure to protect Israeli communities." [10] The government gave warnings to northern Israeli residents that explosions during the tunnel destruction could trigger seismic alerts. [1, 3, 4]
This operation followed a US-mediated security framework agreement signed on June 26-27, 2026, between Israel and Lebanon aimed at phased Israeli withdrawal and Lebanese disarmament of Hezbollah. [4, 5, 6, 8, 10] However, Hezbollah rejected the deal, calling it invalid and a surrender of sovereignty. Hezbollah deputy leader Naim Qassem declared, "Hezbollah will continue its armed resistance and reserves the right to protect our people." [5, 8, 9, 10] A Hezbollah spokesperson said the Israeli attack "is a blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement" and promised to "defend our homeland and people." [5]
On June 28, in addition to destroying the tunnel, Israeli forces attacked Hezbollah positions with rocket fire near Nabatieh in southern Lebanon, causing injuries and casualties. [2, 5, 8, 10] Two people were reported injured. [5, 8, 10] Fighting led to the death of one Israeli soldier and one unnamed Hezbollah militant. [5, 8, 10] Thick smoke rose near the demolition site, approximately 10 kilometers from the coastal city of Tyre, prompting evacuations in nearby southern Lebanese towns. [4, 5, 6]
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz underscored commitment to maintaining security presence, saying, "As long as Hezbollah remains armed, the IDF will continue to station forces in southern Lebanon. We are committed to removing threats to Israel's northern communities." [10]
The tunnel demolition and attacks mark an escalation amid fragile ceasefire conditions. Israeli forces remain deployed in the southern security zone, prepared to target additional militant infrastructure. The situation remains tense as regional actors respond to the violations announced today. [1, 2, 8, 10]
