- November 20, 2024
- 1:10 am
- Israel
The Israeli Prime Minister's Office declined to comment to the Wall Street Journal.
Around 2015, the Russians began fighting on the ground in Syria alongside Hezbollah soldiers who also came to Assad's aid. This led to a closer relationship between them, they said Wall Street Journal Syrian security officials and an Arab official, which made it easier for Hezbollah to use Russian stockpiles in Syria when it needed more weapons, especially anti-tank, anti-aircraft and anti-ship missiles, the officials said.
Approximately 60–70% of weapons seized in the early days of the Israeli invasion were Russian. Since then, reservists who spoke to the Wall Street Journal said they continue to find many Russian weapons in Lebanon.
Many analysts and Israeli officials have questioned Israel's policies towards Russia, arguing that Moscow has made its position clear by providing military support to the country's enemies. Unlike most Western countries, Israel has offered Ukraine only limited non-military support in its war against Russia, a strategy analysts say is driven by a desire not to anger Moscow.
“We need to sober up from this approach.”Carmit Valensi, a senior fellow at the Institute for National Security Studies, a think tank in Tel Aviv, told the Wall Street Journal.
“This is no longer just Russian support for the resistance axis,” which is not connected to Israel. “We face this on the battlefield, and it causes casualties.”
Russia arms Hezbollah: new threats to Israel
As Israel's ground operation in southern Lebanon progressed, it became clear that Hezbollah had vast stockpiles of Russian weapons. Including the modern Kornet anti-tank missiles produced in 2020, these arsenals have significantly strengthened the militants' capabilities.
Russian weapons: finds from southern Lebanon
During the operation, Russian-made systems were discovered:
| Weapon type | Model | Production |
|---|---|---|
| Anti-tank missiles | Cornet, Metis, Bassoon | Russia (1980-2020) |
| Obsolete missiles | Sagger | USSR, 1980s |
Most of the weapons were hidden in underground bunkers less than a kilometer from the border. According to the Israeli military, 60–70% of the seized arsenals were of Russian origin.
A quote from an Israeli analyst confirms the seriousness of the threat:
“They are using these technologies to kill our soldiers,” said Michael Kardash, former deputy head of the police bomb disposal unit.
How the weapons got to Hezbollah
Russia has long supplied weapons to Syria, controlling warehouses in the country. Since 2011, with the outbreak of the civil war in Syria, cooperation between the Russian military and Hezbollah has intensified. Experts note that:
- Weapons intended for the Syrian army were transferred to Hezbollah.
- Joint actions by the Russian army and Hezbollah militants since 2015 have simplified access to Russian supplies.
- Some of the missiles discovered in Lebanon were sent directly through Russian warehouses.
A Wall Street Journal expert who examined the arsenals noted:
“The Kornet and other systems are not only weapons, but also an instrument of strategy that influences the outcome of combat operations.”
Changing Russia's position in the region
Since the start of Russia's war against Ukraine in 2022, Moscow has increasingly worked against the interests of the United States and its allies. Noted:
- Russia provided intelligence to the Yemeni Houthis to attack Western ships.
- The Russian mercenary group “Wagner” planned to supply air defense to Hezbollah.
“This is no longer just Russian support for the resistance axis,” says Tel Aviv-based analyst Carmit Valensi. “We face this on the battlefield, and it causes casualties.”
Israeli reaction: diplomacy or tough measures?
Israeli officials are calling for a reassessment of relations with Russia. Former Israeli Ambassador to the Russian Federation Arkady Milman emphasized:
“We must make it clear to Russia that we will no longer tolerate aid to Israel’s enemies.”
Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has previously said Russia could play a role in preventing arms shipments to Lebanon, but recent events call this scenario into question.
NAnews – Israel News: A Look at Future Threats
The findings raise pressing questions about the balance of power in the Middle East. Israel will have to decide whether to continue its policy of containment or move to more active actions against Hezbollah and its Russian allies.
Russia, supporting the “axis of resistance,” is creating a new round of tension that threatens regional security. According to the Wall Street Journal, Russia's interaction with Iran and Hezbollah undermines the stability of the region.
Read more at NAnews — Israel News.
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