Is Southern Lebanon Sitting Atop a Network of Secret Tunnels?

Nida Al Watan, Lebanon, February 22

The renowned French newspaper Libération, in its issue last week, dedicated two full pages to a gripping investigation titled: “Hizbullah: In southern Lebanon, the war is being organized underground.” The report delves into Hizbullah’s strategic approach, dating back to the 1980s, of relying on an elaborate underground system of tunnels that would be used against a potential Israeli invasion. Notably, the extensive underground network spans several hundred kilometers and boasts branches that extend all the way into Israeli territory and possibly Syria. Authored by investigative journalist and expert in Middle East affairs and the Arab-Israeli conflict Laurence Defranoux, the investigation sheds light on the meticulous excavation process performed over the course of the past few years in southern Lebanon. Defranoux notes that manual excavation is essential, with workers averaging about 15 meters per month using jackhammers or hydraulic machines. These laborious efforts are compounded by recent revelations, such as Israel’s discovery of six tunnels beneath the Blue Line in December 2018 and subsequent airstrikes on southern Lebanon on October 7. The deliberate targeting aimed to expose tunnel shafts, resulting in the destruction of several key locations. Despite the Lebanese authorities’ persistent denials of the presence of tunnels or secret arms depots underground, the French investigation raises significant concerns. Entities like the Jihad al-Bina Foundation and Green Without Borders Association are identified as pivotal players, with the former tasked with tunnel construction and the latter overseeing the establishment of hidden storage depots. As questions loom over Hizbullah’s silence in response to this exposé, Lebanese citizens are left grappling with uncertainty and fear. The impact of potential tunnels endangers the region’s stability, prompting comparisons to the situation in Gaza and raising suspicions about possible tunnel networks operated by other militant groups in Lebanon. The lack of clarity surrounding the proliferation of these covert passages underscores the pressing need for transparent communication and thorough investigations to allay anxieties and ensure the safety of those residing above potentially volatile underground networks. As the specter of hidden tunnels casts a shadow over the region, one thing remains clear: Answers to critical questions remain elusive, leaving the fate of those living above these underground networks uncertain. —Jean Feghali (translated by Asaf Zilberfarb)