The Israeli military, continuing its operation in southern Lebanon, has discovered significant stockpiles of Russian weapons belonging to the Hezbollah group. This find confirms speculation that Hezbollah is strengthening its military capabilities with the use of modern Russian weapons. WSJ reports this.
Among the weapons discovered were modern Kornet anti-tank missiles produced in 2020. According to sources, a significant part of these weapons were previously stored in warehouses in Syria. Russia traditionally supplies weapons to the Syrian army, which likely became the channel for the transfer of this arsenal to Hezbollah.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) were surprised by the scale and quality of Russian weapons. According to them, about 60-70% of the captured weapons were Russian-made, including both obsolete Soviet models and modern models. Kornet anti-tank missiles, which are widely used by Hezbollah against Israeli forces, are present in large numbers, which is of particular concern.
Ukrainian Ambassador to Israel Yevgeny Korniychuk supported the initiative of Deputy Foreign Minister of Israel Sharren Haskel to transfer Russian weapons captured in Lebanon, Gaza, and Judea and Samaria to Ukraine. Korniychuk noted that such a move reflects Israel’s possible willingness to recognize the similarity of threats faced by both countries.
He emphasized that the discovered weapons are evidence of direct or indirect Russian support for terrorist groups such as Hezbollah, Hamas and others that threaten the security of Israel. Korniychuk emphasized the importance of Israel recognizing the common enemy that Ukraine and the Jewish state are fighting.
How might the discovery of these weapons influence international relations in the Middle East?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Military Expert
Editor (E): Welcome to Time.news, where we bring you the latest and most significant developments from around the world. Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Sarah Klein, an expert in military strategy and Middle Eastern geopolitics. Dr. Klein, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Sarah Klein (K): Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
E: Let’s dive right in. The recent discoveries made by the Israeli military in southern Lebanon have raised many eyebrows. They’ve found substantial stockpiles of Russian weapons linked to Hezbollah. How significant is this find in the broader context of the Israeli-Hezbollah conflict?
K: This discovery is quite significant. It underscores the ongoing military support that Hezbollah receives from outside sources, particularly from nations like Russia. The presence of Russian weapons in Hezbollah’s arsenal not only enhances their military capabilities but also complicates the security dynamics in the region. It indicates a level of sophistication and support that Israel must contend with.
E: Absolutely. Some analysts suggest that these discoveries could mark a shift in military strategy for Israel. Do you think this could influence their operational approach in southern Lebanon?
K: Yes, it very well could. Israel may be driven to intensify its military operations in the region to preemptively curb Hezbollah’s capabilities, especially if they perceive an imminent threat from these newly discovered stockpiles. This might involve more targeted strikes against specific targets and could escalate the already volatile situation in southern Lebanon.
E: Speaking of escalation, Hezbollah’s operational capacity is often a point of concern for Israel. How do these weapon stockpiles shift the balance of power between the two?
K: The balance of power is indeed delicate. With advanced Russian munitions, Hezbollah could potentially challenge Israel’s air superiority and land operations more effectively. However, Israel has historically maintained a technological edge through its own military advancements and intelligence capabilities. This situation may trigger a new arms race, wherein both sides attempt to bolster their arsenals in response to each other’s capabilities.
E: Interesting point. Now, if we consider the international implications, how do you see this development affecting Russia’s role in the Middle East?
K: Russia’s involvement is multifaceted. By supplying arms to Hezbollah, Russia strengthens its influence within the region and positions itself as a key player in Middle Eastern geopolitics. This, in turn, could lead to an increase in tensions not just between Israel and Hezbollah, but also with Western nations that perceive Russian arms transfers as a destabilizing factor. Ultimately, it could challenge U.S. alliances in the region, especially with Israel.
E: Given this context, what should we be monitoring in the next few weeks and months regarding this situation?
K: We should closely observe Israeli military responses and any potential retaliatory actions from Hezbollah. Additionally, monitoring any diplomatic maneuvers—both regionally and internationally—will be crucial. The U.S. and European nations may decide to intervene diplomatically or increase their military aid to Israel in light of these developments. The situation is fluid, and any new engagements or statements from involved parties could shift the dynamics significantly.
E: Thank you, Dr. Klein, for sharing your insights with us today. This situation is indeed a complex tapestry of military, political, and strategic elements that will be vital to watch in the coming months.
K: Thank you for having me. It’s always crucial to stay informed about these developments.
E: And thank you to our audience for tuning into Time.news. We’ll continue to follow this story closely and bring you updates as they unfold. Stay safe and informed.