Lebanese media report that the Lebanese army deployed heavy engineering equipment on December 17, 2025, to the village of Touline in southern Lebanon to investigate a site flagged by Israel as an active Hezbollah tunnel. Excavators were observed digging in terraced, hilly terrain near a wadi, with videos showing army personnel conducting methodical searches for underground infrastructure.

The excavation revealed a small tunnel entrance, but no weapons, explosives, or military equipment were found. The operation aligns with the requirements of a U.S.-monitored ceasefire agreement, which mandates that Lebanon dismantle Hezbollah infrastructure south of the Litani River by February 2025.

Israeli officials had previously identified the site as part of Hezbollah’s network of tunnels, raising concerns about the group’s ability to smuggle weapons or conduct cross-border operations. The Lebanese army’s excavation demonstrates compliance with international oversight and an effort to prevent escalation along the sensitive border region.

The Touline operation comes amid ongoing tensions in southern Lebanon, where Hezbollah maintains a significant presence. U.S. monitoring continues to ensure adherence to ceasefire commitments and prevent the resumption of hostilities, particularly in areas adjacent to the Israeli border.

While the site yielded only a small tunnel entrance, the action is considered a step toward dismantling unauthorized military infrastructure and maintaining regional stability. Officials emphasize that ongoing monitoring and verification remain critical to enforcing the terms of the ceasefire and reducing the risk of conflict escalation.