Israel Warns Syria: Severe Consequences for Helping Hezbollah Rearm
Israel has issued a stark warning to Syria, saying it will face “direct consequences” if it helps Hezbollah rearm with weapons, particularly through Syrian territory. This comes after a series of Israeli airstrikes aimed at disrupting Hezbollah’s smuggling routes and preventing the transfer of Iranian weapons to the Lebanese terror group.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have made it clear that even during the ongoing ceasefire with Hezbollah, they will continue to target any efforts to supply weapons to the group. “If we detect attempts to transfer weapons to Hezbollah, we will act,” IDF spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari stated.
In a briefing, a senior Israeli military official warned that Syrian President Bashar Assad’s regime would bear the consequences if it aids Hezbollah’s rearmament. “Syria will pay direct prices for assisting Hezbollah,” the official said. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also emphasized that Assad is “playing with fire” by enabling Iranian weapons shipments to Hezbollah.
Ahead of the ceasefire on Wednesday, the IDF targeted three border crossings between Lebanon and Syria used for smuggling weapons into Hezbollah. These strikes were intended to delay Hezbollah’s smuggling operations, making it easier for Israel to monitor weapon transfers.
In addition, Israeli fighter jets destroyed a major underground missile manufacturing site in Lebanon, located near the Syrian border. The facility, used by Hezbollah to produce precision-guided missiles with Iranian support, had been hidden underground for years. The IDF said the facility’s destruction dealt a significant blow to Hezbollah’s missile capabilities.
The IDF has also targeted Hezbollah’s weapons smuggling unit, Unit 4400, which has been involved in transporting weapons from Iran to Hezbollah via Syria and Lebanon. Israel has been taking action against this unit since 2013, gradually intensifying its efforts to prevent Hezbollah from acquiring more weapons.
While Hezbollah still retains a significant stockpile of rockets and drones, Israel’s ongoing strikes aim to prevent the group from rebuilding its arsenal. Israel views this as a central issue, as any future rearmament of Hezbollah could potentially lead to further conflict.
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The IDF’s ongoing operations highlight Israel’s commitment to disrupting Hezbollah’s weapons supply chain, especially as the group continues to receive support from Iran.
