Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced in an interview published by a French newspaper on Wednesday that his forces had discovered “modern” Russian weapons during searches of Hezbollah bases in southern Lebanon. He also emphasized that Israel does not want to ignite a “new civil war” in Lebanon.
In his interview with Le Figaro, Netanyahu reminded that UN Security Council Resolution 1701, passed in 2006, only allows the Lebanese Army to carry weapons in the areas south of the Litani River. He added, “However, in this area, Hezbollah has dug hundreds of tunnels and bunkers, where we recently found a cache of modern Russian weapons.”
The Washington Post, citing Israeli officials, reported that Israeli incursions into Lebanon since last month’s escalation of the conflict with Iran-backed Hezbollah uncovered Russian and Chinese anti-tank weapons. The Israeli military did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Agence France-Presse regarding the Prime Minister’s statements.
Israel claims that the aim of its military campaign against Hezbollah is to make its northern regions safe enough for the return of approximately 60,000 people who were forced to flee their homes. Northern residents left due to cross-border shelling between Israel and Hezbollah after the Gaza war began on October 7 of last year.
Netanyahu told Le Figaro, “The outbreak of a new civil war in Lebanon would be a tragedy. We certainly do not aim to provoke such a war, and Israel has no intention of intervening in Lebanon’s internal affairs.” He added, “Our only goal is to allow our citizens living along the Lebanese border to return to their homes and feel safe.”
Hezbollah and Israel have exchanged fire across the border gradually since Hamas’s attacks on Israel triggered the Gaza war. According to a tally by Agence France-Presse based on Lebanese Health Ministry figures, at least 1,373 people have died in Lebanon since Israel began attacking Hezbollah. The true toll is likely higher.
