Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Photo: Reuters
Netanyahu confirms that Hezbollah has Russian weapons
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the information about the discovery of the latest Russian weapons among militants in southern Lebanon, cursorinfo reports. In his statement, he stressed that, according to a 2006 UN Security Council resolution, only the Lebanese Army is allowed to have weapons south of the Litani River. However, according to Netanyahu, Hezbollah has grossly violated this provision.
The threat of a new civil war
“Hizbullah has dug hundreds of tunnels and caches in this region, where we recently discovered large quantities of the latest Russian weapons. A new civil war in Lebanon would be a tragedy. We certainly do not want to provoke it. Israel has no intention of interfering in Lebanon’s internal affairs,” Netanyahu said.
The head of the Israeli government also stressed the importance of ensuring security for Israeli citizens living on the border with Lebanon and the need to return them to normal life.
Confirmation of information
This information was confirmed in the publications of the American edition of the Washington Post, which, citing Israeli sources, reported the discovery of Russian and Chinese anti-tank weapons in southern Lebanon. This information was also confirmed by the spokesman for the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari.
Detection of weapons in the possession of militants
According to reports, the IDF found Russian weapons in the hands of Hizbullah terrorists. During the inspection of the Shiite village, they found not only weapons and missiles, but also a system of underground Hizballah tunnels, which are up to 8 metres deep. These tunnels are equipped with steel doors and partitions, and their entrances are hidden in residential buildings.
Militants’ plans
Rear Admiral Hagari told Bild that Hezbollah militants were planning a large-scale attack on Israel in the region, which could surpass the 7 October 2023 attacks. In the underground tunnels, kitchens with household appliances, food supplies and coffee machines, as well as motorcycles and mopeds used by the militants were found.
A portrait of Hizbullah leader Hassan Nasrallah hung on the wall of one of the rooms. According to Hagari, the bunkers were significantly better equipped than similar facilities found with Hamas militants in Gaza, indicating that many years and significant resources had been spent on their construction.
Weapons from Iran
The Rear Admiral also added that a few days ago, missiles were found in another village that had been delivered to Lebanon from Iran via Syria. These findings included both Iranian and Russian weapons.
The situation in southern Lebanon is becoming increasingly tense, and the discovery of Russian weapons in Hizbullah’s possession is worrying. The Israeli government continues to monitor developments to ensure the safety of its citizens at the border.
