Israeli Army Discovers Hezbollah Tunnel System Under Lebanon's Beaufort Castle

The Israeli army announced the discovery of a significant Hezbollah tunnel network beneath the medieval Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon, describing it as a "central hub" for the militant group's operations in the region.

According to the army's statement on Sunday, the tunnel system, located just kilometers from the Israeli border, served as a base for the pro-Iranian Hezbollah militia. The military indicated that the network was financed by Iran and designed to provide shelter for hundreds of fighters.

During an inspection of the approximately one-kilometer-long tunnels, Israeli soldiers found six underground shafts, a weapons storage area, anti-tank missile launchers, ammunition, combat gear, and medical equipment. The complex also included living quarters with showers, toilets, an operating room, and kitchens, according to the military.

Video footage released by the army shows narrow tunnels, similar to those found in Gaza, equipped with beds, toilets, and household items. Israeli forces recently captured Beaufort Castle, a strategically important hilltop position near the Israeli border, as part of their ground offensive in southern Lebanon. Israel previously occupied the castle after a lengthy battle during its 1982 invasion of Lebanon, using it as an observation post until its withdrawal in 2000.