IDF Destroys 3,500 Hezbollah Sites in Eight-Month Lebanon Operation

The IDF announced Tuesday that the 7th Armored Brigade Combat Team has completed eight months of continuous operations in southern Lebanon, during which its forces destroyed approximately 3,500 Hezbollah infrastructure sites and killed around 400 Hezbollah operatives.

According to the IDF Spokesperson's Unit, the brigade operated in several areas of southern Lebanon, including the Saluki region, Kantara, and areas along the Litani River.

Among the sites destroyed were underground complexes known as “cities of refuge,” which formed part of an extensive network of tunnels and subterranean facilities constructed by Hezbollah with funding from Iran.

The underground infrastructure was destroyed in cooperation with the IDF's elite Yahalom combat engineering unit, which specializes in underground warfare, explosives, and the demolition of tunnels.

In addition to destroying thousands of Hezbollah infrastructure sites, the brigade reported locating and confiscating hundreds of weapons during its operations.

The IDF did not disclose which specific units would replace the departing brigade. However, military officials indicated that the withdrawal is part of a planned troop rotation intended to allow soldiers and commanders to rest, undergo additional training, and prepare for future missions.

The rotation will also provide an opportunity to carry out maintenance and repairs on the brigade's armored vehicles and other military equipment following months of intensive combat.

The 7th Brigade has been engaged in prolonged military operations, first in the Gaza Strip and subsequently in southern Lebanon, placing significant demands on its personnel and equipment.

Throughout its deployment in Lebanon, the brigade operated under the command of the IDF's 36th Division.

Despite the completion of the brigade's mission, Israeli military operations in the area are continuing.

The 36th Division and Northern Command remain responsible for managing the security zone and protecting communities in northern Israel, with other regular and reserve brigades continuing to operate in the region.