The Times of Israel has revealed that the Lebanese Hezbollah has constructed a far more advanced network of tunnels compared to Hamas in t...
The Times of Israel has revealed that the Lebanese Hezbollah has constructed a far more advanced network of tunnels compared to Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The tunnel system in southern Lebanon spans hundreds of kilometers, extending beyond borders into Israeli territory. It is capable of launching precision-guided missiles from launch platforms.
According to the Times of Israel, the Israeli Defense Forces spokesman disclosed, two weeks ago, one of the largest attack tunnels in the Gaza Strip, measuring four kilometers in length and wide enough to accommodate vehicles. It stretches from Jabalia, north of Gaza City, to approximately 400 meters from the Erez border crossing into Israel.
While the tunnel did not breach the borders, it could have allowed fighters on motorcycles and other vehicles to maneuver underground from the Jabalia area and emerge near the border before Israeli soldiers or patrols could intercept them. The IDF has not confirmed whether this occurred when 3,000 armed individuals led by Hamas flowed into settlements on October 7 last year.
The revelation of this massive tunnel, similar to many in Gaza, has reignited discussions about similar tunnels near the Lebanese borders amid ongoing conflicts with Hezbollah's forces and forced evacuations in Gaza. According to the newspaper, the Lebanese tunnel project began long before the Gaza tunnel project, with intelligence indicating a vast network in southern Lebanon that is deep and multifaceted.
At the Alma Research and Education Center, focusing on security challenges on Israel's northern borders, researchers have spent years investigating the underground world in Lebanon. Tal Perry, the director of the research department at Alma, who served for decades in the Israeli Defense Forces intelligence units, revealed this subterranean network using materials based on a significant amount of open-source intelligence.
Several years ago, Perry managed to trace the "grid map" online, covering what he called the "land of tunnels" in southern Lebanon. In a research paper in 2021, he wrote, "The map is marked, on one side, with polygons (circles) indicating 36 geographical areas, towns, and villages." He stated, "In our estimation, these polygons indicate Hezbollah gathering centers as part of a 'defense' plan against an Israeli invasion of Lebanon, with each local center having a network of local tunnels underground. Between all these centers, an infrastructure of regional tunnels has been built, connecting them to each other." Perry estimated that the cumulative length of Hezbollah's tunnel network in southern Lebanon reaches hundreds of kilometers.
Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant group, has recently captured attention with its construction of an intricate network of tunnels that surpasses the capabilities of its counterpart, Hamas, in the Gaza Strip. This article explores the revelations reported by The Times of Israel, shedding light on Hezbollah's sophisticated tunnel system that extends beyond borders into Israeli territory.
Israeli Defense Forces Revelation
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson recently disclosed the discovery of one of the largest attack tunnels in the Gaza Strip. This tunnel, measuring an astonishing four kilometers in length and wide enough to accommodate vehicles, has raised concerns about potential infiltration capabilities and the launch of precision-guided missiles from within the Gaza Strip.
Hezbollah's Extensive Tunnel System
Contrary to popular belief, Hezbollah's tunnel project predates the Gaza tunnel initiative. Intelligence reports suggest a vast and multifaceted network in southern Lebanon, capable of launching attacks with strategic precision. This revelation has reignited discussions about security threats posed by similar tunnels near the Lebanese borders.
Southern Lebanon's Underground Landscape
The roots of Hezbollah's tunnel project delve deep into the past. The Alma Research and Education Center, specializing in security challenges on Israel's northern borders, has spent years investigating the underground world in Lebanon. Tal Perry, the director of the research department at Alma, unveils the subterranean network using a significant amount of open-source intelligence.
Alma Research and Education Center's Findings
Perry's research uncovered a "grid map" online, outlining 36 geographical areas, towns, and villages in southern Lebanon. According to Perry, these locations serve as Hezbollah gathering centers, each having a network of local tunnels underground. Regional tunnels connect these centers, forming a comprehensive defensive infrastructure against a potential Israeli invasion.
Hezbollah's Defense Plan
The analysis of the "land of tunnels" in southern Lebanon suggests that Hezbollah has strategically positioned its gathering centers, creating a robust defense plan. The network's cumulative length is estimated to span hundreds of kilometers, presenting a formidable challenge for Israeli forces.
Cumulative Length of Hezbollah's Tunnel Network
Tal Perry's estimation of the tunnel network's cumulative length emphasizes the extensive nature of Hezbollah's defensive measures. A comparison with Gaza's tunnel network underscores the scale of the threat, signaling potential risks for Israeli security.
Security Challenges on Israel's Northern Borders
Ongoing conflicts with Hezbollah's forces and forced evacuations in Gaza amplify security challenges on Israel's northern borders. The revelation of the extensive tunnel network adds a new layer to the complex geopolitical landscape in the region.
Open-Source Intelligence in Uncovering the Network
The role of open-source intelligence in uncovering Hezbollah's tunnel network cannot be overstated. Perry's methodology, utilizing open-source intelligence, highlights the importance of technological advancements in intelligence gathering.
The "Land of Tunnels" in Southern Lebanon
Hezbollah's defensive measures against an Israeli invasion involve a network of interconnected regional tunnels. The strategic positioning of these tunnels enhances Hezbollah's ability to respond effectively to potential threats.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the revelation of Hezbollah's advanced tunnel network underscores the evolving nature of security challenges in the region. The extensive and strategically positioned tunnels pose a significant threat, requiring a united and comprehensive response from the international community.
FAQs
Q1: How did Hezbollah manage to construct such an extensive tunnel network without detection?
A1: Hezbollah's use of multifaceted, deep tunnels and strategic locations helped evade detection.
Q2: What are the potential risks of the tunnel network for Israel and neighboring regions?
A2: Risks include infiltration, launch of precision-guided missiles, and increased security challenges.
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