The Israeli Defense Forces uncovered an extensive underground tunnel complex used by Hezbollah beneath the medieval Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon [1].
The discovery highlights the use of historic strategic sites for modern militant operations. This network provided a concealed base for launching attacks against Israeli targets, including the town of Metula [1, 2].
According to the IDF, the complex functioned as a command-and-control center [1, 3]. The tunnels were equipped with residential and medical facilities, including showers, and an operating room [1, 3]. The military said the site was designed to facilitate the launch of Iranian-supplied weapons into Israeli territory [1, 3].
Beaufort Castle, also known as Beaufort Fortress, is a Crusader-era structure located near the border between Lebanon and Israel [1, 2]. The IDF said the lair was built with Iranian support to serve as a strategic bulwark for Hezbollah's operations [3].
The tunnel system allowed militants to move personnel and weaponry while remaining shielded from aerial surveillance and ground detection. By integrating the network into the foundation of a historic fortress, the group utilized the existing stone structures to mask the underground activity [1, 3].
Israeli forces have documented the facilities as part of a broader effort to map Hezbollah's infrastructure in southern Lebanon. The IDF said the presence of an operating room indicates the tunnels were intended for long-term occupation and high-level operational management [1, 3].
“The tunnels were equipped with residential and medical facilities, including showers, and an operating room.”
The use of Beaufort Castle, a site of significant historical and strategic value, demonstrates Hezbollah's strategy of blending military infrastructure with existing landmarks to evade detection. The inclusion of an operating room and showers suggests these tunnels were not merely temporary transit points but permanent operational hubs designed for sustained combat and command. This development underscores the depth of Iranian logistical support in the region and the complexity of the subterranean war along the Israel-Lebanon border.
