The Hebrew-language newspaper Maariv published an Israeli analysis on Monday regarding the size and source of the weapons and combat equipment accumulated by Lebanon’s Hezbollah over the past years.
In an article by writer Avi Ashkenazi, the newspaper stated:
“A new study analyzes the scope of combat equipment amassed by Hezbollah, revealing that approximately 70% of these weapons originate from Russian manufacturing.”
The newspaper highlighted that this is the first study on combat data in Lebanon during the past year and three months. It underscores the significant military strength Hezbollah has built over the years, largely backed by Iran, which views the group as a critical military force intended to confront Israel on its northern front.
Details of the Study
The new study was conducted by the Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center at the Israeli Intelligence Heritage Center. It analyzed the volume of combat equipment gathered by Hezbollah.
The report indicates that the Israeli army managed to confiscate approximately 85,000 pieces of Hezbollah’s combat equipment, including:
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- Approximately 2,250 guided missiles and rockets
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- About 2,700 light weapons
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- 60 anti-aircraft missiles
Sources of Hezbollah’s Weapons
According to the Israeli study:
“The vast majority of the combat equipment was produced in Iran and Russia and smuggled to Hezbollah via direct flights from Iran or through convoys passing through Syrian territory, in addition to the group’s reliance on locally produced weapons.”
Maariv confirmed that:
“The diversity of weapons used by Hezbollah reflects its advanced military capabilities, which have been developed over the years between the 2006 Lebanon War and the onset of fighting in October 2023. These capabilities enable the group to operate both near the border and to threaten targets deep within Israel.”
Continued Threat to Israel
Despite the extensive damage inflicted by the Israeli army on Hezbollah’s arsenal during the recent confrontation, Maariv noted:
“We believe the organization still possesses the capabilities and expertise to continue threatening Israel unless all of its weapons across Lebanon are dismantled.”
