Israel Continues Strikes in Lebanon Despite Peace Agreement, Claims Destruction of 200m Tunnel

Israel announced on June 28 (local time) that it had destroyed an underground facility used by the pro-Iranian militant group Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.

According to Reuters, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz stated in a joint statement that they had struck a tunnel approximately 200 meters long in the village of Majdal Zoun in southern Lebanon.

The Israeli side added that the tunnel contained hundreds of weapons and launchers, and that the United States had been notified in advance of the strike.

Previously, the Israeli military also conducted a drone strike on the Nabatieh region in southern Lebanon the day before.

Prime Minister Netanyahu asserted that the Israeli military would remain in the security zone in southern Lebanon, stating, "We will continue to destroy terrorist infrastructure, eliminate threats to residents of the northern border, and protect the safety of Israeli citizens."

Although a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on ending the war, signed between the United States and Iran, included provisions to cease military operations on all fronts including Lebanon, clashes between Israel and Hezbollah have continued even after the MOU took effect on the 18th.

In response, Israel and Lebanon signed a basic peace agreement on the 26th, mediated by the United States, in an attempt to halt the armed conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

However, observers noted that the agreement had limitations as Hezbollah, which is in actual conflict with Israel, did not participate.

The agreement allows the Israeli military to withdraw from southern Lebanon in phases, while permitting them to remain in a security zone extending up to 10 kilometers inside Lebanese territory for the time being.

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem rejected the agreement, labeling it a surrender to Israel.

He stated that Hezbollah would continue to apply pressure until Israel withdraws from Lebanon.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.