The IDF has uncovered large troves of Russian weapons in southern Lebanon, providing concrete evidence that Hezbollah’s military capabilities are significantly bolstered by Russian arms, The Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday.
Among the weapons discovered are Kornet anti-tank missiles, originally supplied by Russia to Syria, which later made their way to Lebanon, according to Syrian security officials and an Arab official cited by WSJ. Russia maintains arms warehouses in Syria and continues to supply the Syrian military, from which weapons have been funneled to Hezbollah.
While Israel has long suspected Hezbollah of possessing Russian-made arms, definitive proof was elusive due to Hezbollah’s stronghold in southern Lebanon. However, the ongoing "Northern Arrows" operation has revealed not only the presence of these weapons but also newer, more advanced systems in larger quantities than previously anticipated.
Military analysts now recognize these weapons as instrumental to Hezbollah’s resilience following significant losses in its leadership. Anti-tank systems, in particular, have caused devastating casualties among Israeli forces.
The findings have intensified concerns that Russia is strengthening ties with Hezbollah, as part of its growing cooperation with Iran. According to an Israeli security official, Iran has supplied Russia with drones and ballistic missiles, some of which Russia has used in Ukraine. These same drones are now deployed by Hezbollah against Israel, with deadly results.
