Destruction of Hezbollah's Tunnels in Ali al-Taher: How Israel Transported 1,100 Tons of Explosives Deep into Lebanon?

Revealed in a report is an unprecedented Israeli logistical operation to transport 1,100 tons of explosives deep into Lebanon to destroy Hezbollah’s secret infrastructure in the Ali al-Taher highlands.

An Israeli report published by the Hebrew website “Walla,” detailed a massive military and logistical operation carried out by the Israeli army about a month ago, targeting Hezbollah’s secret infrastructure in the Lebanese area known as “Ali al-Taher highlands.”

According to the report, intelligence and engineering units within the Israeli Northern Command successfully identified key underground facilities belonging to Hezbollah in the region, in an operation described as “sensitive and critical.” The operation uncovered a large Iranian engineering project built to serve Hezbollah’s “Force of Divine Pleasure,” aimed at striking deep into Israeli territory.

5-Kilometer Tunnel Network

The report added that identifying the first opening enabled the military engineering forces (Yehalom) to detect and monitor the remaining openings, along with a complex tunnel network exceeding 5 kilometers in length, where dozens of fighters were hiding, while the rest fled in panic.

As part of preparations for the operation, the head of technology and logistics in the Israeli army, Brigadier General Rami Abu-Drahim, insisted on deep penetration into Lebanese territory and personally inspecting the logistical and engineering challenges.

“Operation Within an Operation”

The report described the mission as a “operation within an operation,” requiring the transportation of 1,100 tons of sensitive explosive materials over 30 kilometers inside Lebanese territory, including crossing the Litani River and the Saluki Valley, and navigating rugged, rocky roads.

The operation faced significant challenges, most notably the risk of detection by Hezbollah elements, exposing the convoys to drone attacks, missiles, or mortar fire.

Intensive Preparations

Preparations included special packaging of explosives at ammunition centers, mobilizing an unprecedented number of specially equipped trucks for the mission, and deploying elite command teams working during the most challenging nighttime hours.

The logistical operation lasted four weeks from the moment political approval was granted, and its details are revealed for the first time.

Field Challenges

The report quoted Israeli logistics officers saying, “The farthest point we reached with a large quantity of explosives was 35 kilometers inside Lebanese territory, with a constant concern: what if a drone attacks the truck?” On average, around 100 tons were transported daily to the Rakeb Ali Taher area under extremely complex security conditions, where forces operated in areas not yet fully secured.

Countering Threats

The report revealed that Hezbollah elements launched simultaneous drone, missile, and rocket barrages against Israeli forces during the operation. In some cases, Israeli soldiers had to rely on self-supplied food, water, and ammunition dropped by drones.

Meanwhile, the commander of the northern region’s ammunition unit stated, “The warning to supply a large amount of explosives arrived on Friday, with an extremely short notice. In any other case, such an operation would have taken a month—we prepared in just 48 hours.”

He added: “We named our operation ‘Northern Arc,’ fast like ‘Formula 1’—we measured times from the moment the truck arrived until it left.”

Sensitive Timing

During the operation, Hezbollah attempted to decipher what the Israeli army was planning in the Ali al-Taher highlands, while Iran threatened to attack Israel if the tunnels and their dozens of fighters were destroyed, amid mounting political pressure on the Israeli government.

Logistics officers in the brigade held three daily evaluation sessions with their counterparts in the Northern Command to monitor convoy movements and prevent breakdowns.

At the end of the report, one officer said proudly: “The greatest moment for me was when I informed the brigade commander that we had delivered all explosives to the bottom of the openings hours ahead of schedule.”

He added: “I have no words to explain what goes through the mind of a driver carrying six tons of explosives at night. He understands the importance of this mission and continues despite exhaustion nearly overwhelming him and the complex events along the way.”