Amid Israeli reports that dozens of Hezbollah members are trapped inside tunnel networks in the southern Lebanese village of Kfartebnit, Israeli news website Walla has reported growing concerns that an attempt could be made to capture Israeli soldiers for use in a prisoner exchange.
According to Walla, messages have been conveyed to Israel through several mediators requesting safe passage for the besieged Hezbollah fighters. However, a security source said Israel’s response to all mediators was clear: “Surrender or be killed inside the tunnel network.”
At the same time, concern is increasing among Israeli forces operating in southern Lebanon that Hezbollah’s elite Radwan Force may seek retaliation by carrying out an operation to capture Israeli soldiers and use them as leverage in future negotiations.
Israeli troops in the field have reportedly been instructed to move in pairs or groups of three at all times and to ensure rapid coordination between air and ground forces in preparation for possible attacks targeting tanks, Namer armoured personnel carriers, military vehicles or buildings.
A military source told Walla: “It cannot be ruled out that some Hezbollah tunnel networks in southern Lebanon were designed to facilitate a capture operation by enabling attacks on Israeli soldiers and assisting in escape or detention efforts.”
The source added that most tunnel entrances are concealed and difficult to locate.
