Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu informed a French newspaper that Israeli forces have uncovered “state-of-the-art” Russian weaponry during their searches of Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon.
Al-Arabiya -- In an interview with Le Figaro, released on Wednesday, Netanyahu emphasized that a 2006 UN Security Council resolution permits only the Lebanese army to possess weapons in the area south of the Litani River.
“Nevertheless, Hezbollah has constructed hundreds of tunnels and storage sites in this region, where we have recently discovered a significant amount of advanced Russian weaponry,” Netanyahu stated, as reported by the French publication.
According to the Washington Post, Israeli officials have indicated that both Russian and Chinese anti-tank weapons have been located in Israel’s operations within Lebanon, escalating following the conflict with Iran-backed Hezbollah last month.
Israel claims that the objective of its military actions against Hezbollah is to ensure the safety of approximately 60,000 residents evacuated from northern Israel, allowing them to return home.
Many individuals fled their residences due to cross-border shelling between Israel and Hezbollah after the outbreak of the Gaza war on October 7 last year.
“A new civil war in Lebanon would be catastrophic. We certainly do not wish to incite one. Israel has no intention of interfering in Lebanon’s internal matters,” Netanyahu told Le Figaro.
“Our sole purpose is to enable our citizens residing along the Lebanon border to return home safely,” he added.