Israel destroys Hizbullah underground infrastructure in southern Lebanon

The Israeli military announced Sunday it destroyed underground infrastructure used by the Lebanese militant group Hizbullah in a village in southern Lebanon. The operation targeted a 200-meter tunnel in Majdal Zoun, which the Israeli prime minister and defense minister stated contained hundreds of weapons and launchers.

This strike occurred hours after the Israeli military reported hitting Hizbullah militants armed with rocket-propelled grenades and targeting a rocket launcher in the Nabatieh area, also in southern Lebanon. The Israeli statement indicated that the military would maintain its presence in a security zone in southern Lebanon to continue destroying what it termed 'terrorist infrastructure' and safeguard Israeli citizens.

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The Israeli military would remain in the security zone in southern Lebanon and “continue to destroy terrorist infrastructure, remove threats from the northern communities, ‌and safeguard the security of ⁠Israel’s citizens”.

The announcement comes shortly after a U.S.-brokered security agreement was finalized between Lebanon and Israel on Friday. This deal outlines a phased Israeli withdrawal from parts of southern Lebanon, coupled with the deployment of the Lebanese army. However, Israeli forces are permitted to remain in an expanded security zone for the time being.

Hizbullah leader Naim Qassem has rejected the agreement, characterizing it as a surrender to Israel and asserting that the group will persist with its armed resistance. The conflict has displaced over a million Lebanese from their homes, running parallel to the wider war involving Iran.

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He said the group would continue its armed resistance.