A huge explosion shook southern Lebanon overnight as Israel destroyed an underground Hezbollah base on the Ali al-Taher ridge, about six miles from the border. The blast lit the sky orange and caused ground waves likened to a 4.2 magnitude earthquake, according to Lebanon’s National News Agency.

Israel said the complex served as a Hezbollah command center with weapons and living quarters. Hezbollah disputed its significance, accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of exaggerating for political gain before elections.

The destruction fueled concerns about Israel’s deepening military presence. Under a U.S.-brokered cease-fire in June, Israel is expected to gradually withdraw as Lebanese forces deploy. Lebanon’s State Security resumed patrols in Nabatieh. Some residents blamed Hezbollah for losing the strategic ridge rather than handing it to the Lebanese army.