The IDF on Tuesday released footage of tunnels and earth-moving equipment at work, carrying out what it said were "tactical preparations to expose Hezbollah's offensive cross-border tunnel project."
In one video, taken inside an underground tunnel snaking under the Israel-Lebanon border, two Hezbollah terrorist can be seen detecting and approaching a video camera put in place by IDF soldiers. The camera, which was booby-trapped with a small explosive device, detonated only after the startled terrorists were able to flee. The tunnel was later blown up with a more powerful blast.
The IDF said the tunnels were not yet operational but posed "an imminent threat." IDF Spokesman in Arabic Maj. Avichay Adraee posted a message on Twitter warning the Lebanese army and Hezbollah to stay away, saying: "Your lives are in danger, you have been warned."
There was no immediate comment from Hezbollah. The Lebanese army said the situation was calm on its side of the border, as did U.N. peacekeepers operating there. It said the military was "fully prepared to face any emergency."
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said late on Tuesday the tunnels were a grave violation of Israeli sovereignty.
"Hezbollah's intention was to insert terrorists into our territory through these tunnels," he said.
"These cross-border terror tunnels were built by Hezbollah with direct support and funding from Iran. They were built with one purpose in mind – to attack and murder innocent Israeli men, women and children."
Netanyahu, who on Monday met U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Brussels to update him on the imminent operation, said the operation to neutralize the tunnels would continue for as long as necessary.
