IDF Discovers Russian-Made Weapons in Hezbollah's Arsenal in Lebanon

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have uncovered significant stockpiles of advanced Russian-made weapons in Hezbollah's possession in southern Lebanon, marking a worrying escalation in the ongoing conflict. According to a report from the Wall Street Journal, some of the weaponry, including Kornet anti-tank missiles, was manufactured as recently as 2020 and transported through Syria into Lebanon, highlighting the increasing sophistication of Hezbollah's military capabilities.

The discovery was made during a ground operation in southern Lebanon, a region that has been largely inaccessible to Israeli forces since the Second Lebanon War in 2006. Prior to this, Israeli officials were aware that Hezbollah possessed older, Soviet-era arms, but the newly found cache of more advanced weaponry underscores the group's growing military strength.

Russian Weapons Supply to Hezbollah

The Wall Street Journal report cites a Syrian security official and an Arab official who confirmed that these Russian-made weapons, including guided anti-tank missiles like Metis, Konkurs, Fagots, and Saggers, were smuggled through Syria from Russia. These weapons, found less than a kilometer inside southern Lebanon, are reportedly being used in frequent attacks against IDF soldiers.

IDF analysts noted that the newer weapons have significantly enhanced Hezbollah's ability to target Israeli military forces, allowing the group to maintain a more sustained offensive against Israel. According to the report, about 60-70% of the weapons seized by Israel during its recent operation were of Russian origin, signaling the scale of foreign support Hezbollah has received in recent years.

US Ceasefire Proposal and Diplomatic Efforts

As the military situation continues to escalate, diplomatic efforts to broker a ceasefire have gained momentum. On Tuesday, US envoy Amos Hochstein arrived in Beirut for talks with Lebanese officials regarding a potential ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel. The talks come after a proposal drafted by Washington received tentative approval from Hezbollah, marking the most serious attempt yet to end the ongoing hostilities.

Lebanon has reportedly submitted its response to the US proposal, with Lebanese officials emphasizing adherence to United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, which was originally established to end the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah. However, enforcement of the resolution remains a significant challenge, with both the US and Israel pushing for stronger mechanisms to ensure Hezbollah’s compliance.

Resolution 1701 calls for the disarmament of Hezbollah and prohibits the group's presence in areas between the Lebanese-Israeli border and the Litani River. However, Hezbollah's continued military activities in southern Lebanon and the discovery of new weapons caches suggest ongoing violations of this resolution.