Israel Prepares to Demolish Lebanon Tunnels, Restrict Displaced Residents’ Return

(MENAFN) Israel is preparing to demolish two underground routes in southern Lebanon and may prevent displaced residents from returning to areas its forces are expected to vacate, according to reports.
The two underground routes, located beneath the Ali al-Taher Heights, are reportedly set to be destroyed in the coming days. Unnamed Israeli military officials said no “living armed operatives” remain at the site.
Following the demolition, Israeli forces are expected to begin a gradual withdrawal from areas Israel refers to as its “security belt” in southern Lebanon.
The proposed plan is expected to be presented this week to the commander of Israel’s Northern Command before being submitted to the political leadership for final approval.
Under the reported arrangement, Israeli troops would move back from the so-called “yellow line” to a “gray line” located approximately 2 to 4 kilometers from the Israeli border. Israel reportedly plans to establish about 20 permanent military facilities along this line.
Earlier Thursday, the Israeli army claimed it had achieved “operational control” over areas both above and below ground around the Ali al-Taher Heights. Hezbollah has not publicly responded to the claim.
Israel has also reportedly conveyed a message to the Lebanese government through Washington stating that displaced residents would not currently be permitted to return to areas abandoned by Israeli troops.
The issue is expected to feature in direct Israeli-Lebanese negotiations scheduled to resume this month in Rome.
The developments come as tensions remain high in southern Lebanon, where Israeli military operations have intensified in recent days. The escalation followed an Israeli claim that its forces intercepted a drone allegedly launched by Hezbollah toward troops operating in an area Tel Aviv describes as a “security zone.”
The latest Israeli operations are taking place despite a US-backed framework agreement reached between Israel and Lebanon on June 26. The deal calls for a gradual Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory alongside the deployment of Lebanese army forces.
Since March 2, Israeli military operations in Lebanon have killed 4,362 people and wounded 12,378 others, while more than 1 million people have been displaced, according to Lebanese authorities.
Israel continues to maintain control over parts of southern Lebanon, including areas it has occupied for decades as well as territory seized during the 2023-2024 conflict. During the current fighting, Israeli forces have advanced more than 10 kilometers into Lebanese territory.

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