Hezbollah rebuilding military capabilities in Beirut as IDF prepares for possible renewed fighting
Hezbollah is rebuilding its military capabilities in Beirut, while the IDF is preparing for the possibility of renewed fighting with the terrorist organization if it attacks the Israeli home front during an escalation involving Iran, a security official told Walla.According to the official, Israel is dissatisfied with the Lebanese Armed Forces' (LAF) enforcement of existing understandings intended to curb Hezbollah's military activities.Several days ago, the Lebanese military uncovered a tunnel linked to Hezbollah in the Roueissat el-Jadida area of eastern Beirut.The security official said the discovery was intended to demonstrate that the Lebanese military was taking action in the heart of Beirut, where Hezbollah has relocated some of its military capabilities from southern Lebanon.In some cases, the organization has restored military assets that were damaged or destroyed in IDF strikes."We are not satisfied with the Lebanese mechanism, and the issue of Hezbollah's tunnels comes as no surprise to us," the official said."We assess that this report stems from Israel's discussions with Lebanon in Rome. Ultimately, the understandings are not being enforced as we would expect. There is terrorist infrastructure and a presence of terrorist operatives in southern Lebanon," the security official stated.Hezbollah rebuilding military infrastructure in Beirut, TyreAddressing Hezbollah's military infrastructure in the Beirut area, the official said the terrorist organization was continuing efforts to restore and expand its capabilities beyond southern Lebanon."We know there is significant terrorist infrastructure there, alongside Hezbollah's efforts to bolster its capabilities. They are working on rehabilitation and military buildup, not only in southern Lebanon, but also in Beirut and Tyre, where the largest concentrations of the Shiite population are located."Regarding the operational readiness of Hezbollah's military wing, the official remarked, "They are making a major effort to regain operational experience and return to peak combat readiness."One of the scenarios presented to IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir envisions Hezbollah joining a broader regional conflict, including by launching strikes against the Israeli home front, should the US or Israel attack Iran.Hezbollah can sustain several months of fightingWalla learned that Hezbollah retains a diverse range of combat capabilities sufficient to sustain several months of fighting.These include rockets, missiles of various ranges, fiber-optic and SIM-controlled drones, which pose a significant operational challenge to the IDF. The organization also maintains tactical drones and suicide drones, also known as loitering munitions.Meanwhile, Hezbollah is working around the clock to train anti-tank and observation squads as part of its preparations for a future round of fighting against IDF troops in southern Lebanon and along the Israeli-Lebanese border.
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