Israel Destroys Hezbollah Tunnel in Southern Lebanon

The target of the attack, of which the United States had been informed in advance, was a 200-meter tunnel in the town of Majdal Zoun. Hundreds of weapons and launchers were found inside, according to the statement released yesterday.

The attack was carried out only hours after the Israeli army said it had struck Hezbollah fighters armed with anti-tank grenade launchers, as well as a rocket launcher in the Nabatieh area of southern Lebanon. The Israeli army said today that another of its soldiers had died during fighting in southern Lebanon, bringing its death toll in the neighboring country, where it has been fighting the pro-Iranian Hezbollah movement since March 2, to 38.

On Friday, a security agreement between Lebanon and Israel was reached with U.S. mediation, providing for the phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from some parts of southern Lebanon and the deployment of the Lebanese army there. Israeli troops, however, will for now be allowed to remain in an expanded security zone, Reuters noted.

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem rejected the agreement, describing it as a capitulation to Israel, and said the group would continue its armed resistance.

More than one million Lebanese have been forced to leave their homes because of the conflict, which is unfolding in parallel with the larger war with Iran.