Zamir tours Beaufort Castle and nearby Hezbollah tunnel, says IDF ready for offensive if ceasefire violated

Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir is seen at the Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon, July 5, 2026. (Israel Defense Forces)
IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir is seen at the Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon, July 5, 2026. (Israel Defense Forces)

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir toured the Beaufort Castle area in southern Lebanon this morning, including a major Hezbollah tunnel system built beneath the ridge, the military says.

Zamir says the Beaufort Ridge is a strategic area that is “saturated with terror infrastructure,” according to remarks provided by the IDF.

“The Hezbollah terror organization, financed and directed by Iran, built underground routes in the area over the course of decades to threaten the northern communities. Our forces now control the key terrain aboveground and these underground routes belowground,” he says.

Zamir says that the Lebanese army “is required to fulfill its commitment under the historic agreement that was signed, and act to clear the area of Hezbollah terrorists,” referring to areas in southern Lebanon outside of the IDF’s control

“At the same time, the IDF will continue to operate decisively to remove threats in Lebanese territory and is prepared to launch a rapid offensive if the ceasefire is violated,” he adds.

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