Israel Claims It Has Captured a Key Hezbollah Underground Complex in Southern Lebanon

The Israeli military says it has taken control of the rugged Ali al-Taher area in southern Lebanon after destroying two underground routes used by Hezbollah.

The Israel Defense Forces said the operation had lasted for weeks and focused on eliminating a network of tunnels beneath the mountainous terrain. The military said it had fully occupied the ridges and underground facilities, and that several Hezbollah fighters were killed during the operation.

According to the Israeli military, the complex included multiple command centers, weapons depots and numerous living spaces. It said the facilities had been built over nearly 20 years with Iranian financial support. The claim was issued as fighting and tensions again increased along the Lebanon-Israel border.

The operation followed the seventh round of Lebanon-Israel ceasefire talks, held in Rome in early August. The talks ended with an agreement on border security and a halt to fighting, but Israel’s military operations continued. The Ali al-Taher ridge lies in a mountainous area about 15 kilometers from the Israeli border and has recently become a major flashpoint between Israel and Hezbollah.

Israel continues to occupy several areas of southern Lebanon, according to the report. Lebanon has strongly demanded an Israeli withdrawal, while the Israeli military has instead intensified its operations. Separately, Lebanese broadcaster Al-Jadeed TV reported that an Israeli airstrike on a two-story building in Deir Al Zahrani killed four people and wounded nine on Aug. 15, 2026.