Israeli Forces Detonate Tunnels Near Lebanon's Beaufort Castle

Israeli forces carried out a series of powerful detonations near the UNESCO listed Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz stated that the army used approximately 700 tons of explosives to destroy a Hezbollah tunnel system. The Israeli military described the network as a central command center built over two decades that was intended for infiltrating communities in the Galilee. Israel stated the operation was a response to a drone attack on a military vehicle on July 29, which they called a violation of the ceasefire agreement.

Lebanon's official National News Agency reported that the explosions occurred around midnight and were powerful enough to shatter windows in the town of Qlayaa. Lebanon's Culture Ministry warned that vibrations from the blasts may have caused damage to the Crusader era castle, which was added to UNESCO's List of World Heritage in Danger last week. Technical teams have been unable to assess the site because it is under Israeli occupation.

These events occur despite a US sponsored framework agreement signed in June. Center left framing emphasizes that Israeli forces continue to occupy southern Lebanon in defiance of the ceasefire, while center framing presents the demolitions as a necessary security response to Hezbollah's violations. Center right framing highlights the role of the Iran backed Hezbollah militant group and the specific military utility of the destroyed tunnels.

Israeli forces currently occupy areas extending about 10 kilometers into Lebanese territory. According to Lebanon's Health Ministry, Israeli attacks since March 2 have killed 4,333 people and injured 12,236 others. Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri condemned the detonations, stating they must not be met with silence.