Israeli forces continue operations in southern Lebanon as diplomatic talks take place in Washington, targeting what they describe as Hezbollah infrastructure in the largely devastated town of Khiam. In the ruins of a clothing store that appeared intact from the outside, soldiers uncovered a tunnel complex buried roughly 25 meters underground, part of a network the military says was used by Hezbollah fighters.

According to Israeli officers, troops engaged in close combat around the building before discovering a concealed entrance beneath the shop floor. The underground site reportedly included communications equipment, weapons storage, food supplies and multiple exits that allowed fighters to move between buildings unseen. Commanders said the town’s elevated position made it strategically valuable for launching anti-tank missiles and drones.

Despite a ceasefire, the area remains tense, with periodic drone alerts interrupting military briefings. Israeli soldiers say the presence of tunnels and hidden infrastructure means the threat persists, arguing that if they withdraw, Hezbollah would quickly rebuild. As political leaders debate future security arrangements, troops on the ground maintain that the conflict is ongoing as long as such underground networks remain in place.