The tunnel, which is hidden under in the civilian structure,
circled in red, served as a private block factory until 2014.
Located only a few meters away, as you can see, from a UNIFIL stand
[United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon] and from UNIFIL patrol,
whose mission is to enforce [UN Security Council] resolution 1701.
The tunnel originates from this structure, goes under the blue line
[the border between Israel and Lebanon] and ends about
40 meters into Israeli territory. Our tracking of this structure since
2014 shows that the civil activity within it has decreased while
the military activity within it has increased.
Within the framework of military characteristics observed,
we spotted abnormal activity disguised as civilian activity of
cars and trucks transferring dirt from the structure to
nearby land in Kfar Kila. They are transferring the dirt dug
up in the construction of the tunnel. Hezbollah is attempting to present
this activity as civilian activity and to hide it, from us [Israel],
the Lebanese people as well as from UNIFIL.
Hezbollah's intention was to use these tunnels to Infiltrate Israeli territory
and sneak terrorist into Israel. And one must understand
that this is also part of a large-scale operation that they have planned
at the aim of capturing part of the Galilee.
This is a real threat, in its scale, intensity and even in its audacity
a threat unlike what we have seen before.
At the same time, I must say that this action is part of the regional
and global terror and aggression network directed and funded by Iran.
Now, as you know, we are working very hard to prevent Iran's military
buildup in Syria, and I can tell you that our actions have already
led to a decrease of tens of percent’s in the number
of Iranian forces in Syria. But of course, we are also
working against Iran's terrorist branch in Lebanon.
Under my guidance and with the approval of the Cabinet,
the IDF launched Operation “North Shield” in order to thwart
the threat of terror tunnels along the Lebanese border.
The operation is widescale and will continue as long as
necessary to achieve all of its goals. It is not a pinpointed operation.
It is an extensive and lengthy operation.
The current situation is not new for us.
We are always living in a state of war and alert,
in a state of worry and waiting. All we wish for is to live life
full of security, safety, peace and coexistence.