In June of this year, the Israel Defense Forces completed the destruction of the largest and most technically advanced tunnel under its border. The tunnel was dug by Hezbollah, the Iran-backed terrorist group in Lebanon.

This concrete tunnel, reinforced by steel bars, was dug 22 stories deep. The facilities contained electricity, transportation and enough space for a tactical unit of terrorists of hundreds to attack Israeli towns. As a retired MTA employee, I know such tunnels to be quite costly.

Had this tunnel been undetected and then used for terrorism, the fighting would have greatly escalated. Many Israeli and Lebanese lives would have been taken. I believe most Lebanese people would rather have prosperity and peace rather than conflict and destruction. The government of Lebanon should protect its citizens and not permit atrocities to be staged from its territory. If the Lebanese government is afraid of Hezbollah, the government should ask for help.