Tunnel Network of Hezbollah : Israeli forces launched a ground assault in Lebanon on Monday, targeting the extensive network of underground tunnels constructed by Hezbollah. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a stern warning to the Iranian government, stating on live television, “There is no place in the Middle East that Israel cannot reach.”
If you’ve heard about Hamas’s underground “metro” in Gaza, imagine Hezbollah’s intricate labyrinth of tunnels in Lebanon. These tunnels are designed to allow militants to navigate undetected and maximize their firepower in confined spaces, using automatic weapons. The construction of this underground “city” has received assistance from both Iran and North Korea.
While Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have reportedly destroyed about 80% of Hamas’s tunnels, Hezbollah’s network remains largely intact and is believed to be far more sophisticated and extensive. This allows Hezbollah to move large quantities of missiles and vehicles around southern Lebanon without detection.
The Tunnel Network
In fact, a network of tunnels stretching approximately 45 kilometers in southern Lebanon has been mapped by the Alma Research and Education Center, a non-governmental organization focused on Israel’s security challenges along its northern border. These tunnels lie in areas south of the Litani River, where Hezbollah is technically prohibited from storing weapons under a United Nations-sponsored ceasefire agreement following the 2006 war with Israel. This extensive underground network connects Beirut—Hezbollah’s main operational hub—with the Bekaa Valley, its logistical base.
These tunnels often traverse rugged mountainous terrain to infiltrate into northern Israel. In 2018, during Operation “Northern Shield,” the IDF uncovered six offensive tunnels that had been dug into Israeli territory.
Known as the “land of tunnels,” Hezbollah’s underground network spans over 100 miles (approximately 160 kilometers) throughout southern Lebanon. Reports indicate that, similar to Hamas’s tunnels, Hezbollah’s network includes command and control centers, weapons depots, field clinics, and dedicated shafts for launching various types of missiles. From these shafts, rockets, surface-to-surface missiles, anti-tank missiles, and anti-aircraft missiles can be fired.
These concealed and camouflaged tunnels are designed to be invisible from the surface. According to reports, the shafts used for artillery strikes open for brief moments to fire weapons and quickly close to reload hydraulic launchers with new munitions.
A Unique Launch Capability
The Alma Research and Education Center has highlighted the silo-launch capability of Hezbollah’s attack tunnels. Short-range ballistic missiles like the Fateh-110 can be launched from these tunnels via vertical shafts. This underground infrastructure enables a truck to transport missiles to the launch site.
The Iran-North Korea Connection
The excavation of tunnels and the establishment of this infrastructure began in the 1980s with assistance from North Korea, particularly gaining momentum in the late 1990s. North Korea has a historic expertise in digging tunnels through mountainous and rocky terrains.
During the 2018 Operation “Northern Shield,” two of the four tunnels were destroyed. These tunnels were reportedly capable of transporting tanks, armored vehicles, and artillery, and could move up to 30,000 troops per hour. Hezbollah adopted the operational blueprint of these tunnels in its conflict against Israel.
Following the 2006 Lebanon War, Hezbollah maintained ties with North Korea and received support from Iran. By 2014, Hezbollah had acquired enough training, knowledge, and technology to independently dig and construct tunnels.
Hezbollah has even established civilian companies, like Jihad Construction in the Baalbek region, ostensibly for agricultural and reconstruction projects for the Shia community. However, these companies have been involved in tunnel construction. During this period, additional civilian companies were formed, including Mustafa Commercial and Contracting Company, which reportedly negotiated with the United Nations Development Program as a civilian contractor.
As tensions in the region escalate, the complexities of Hezbollah’s underground operations present a significant challenge for Israeli forces, highlighting the intricate relationship between militant capabilities and international support. The ongoing conflict underscores the persistent threat posed by these hidden networks and the lengths to which groups will go to fortify their positions against adversaries.
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