Hezbollah's arsenal grows to 200,000 rockets Israeli intelligence warns

Israel is advised not to overestimate the powerful and successful strikes against Hezbollah's infrastructure.

A ground operation in Lebanon would present significant challenges for Israel. Lebanese militants maintain a vast arsenal of rockets, drones, and anti-tank missiles, with Iran supplying Hezbollah with its latest developments, including the "Almas" anti-tank guided missile, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media. 

The group has combat experience from Syria and is actively studying military tactics from the conflict in Ukraine. Informed sources report that Hezbollah has intensified its war preparation in recent months, constructing new tunnels, increasing arms supplies from Iran, and fortifying positions for its militants. Its arsenal is estimated at 120,000 to 200,000 rockets, with even older missiles now equipped with advanced guidance systems.

Hezbollah's goal isn't to defeat the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on the battlefield; rather, its strategic aim is to draw the Israeli army into a war of attrition, inflicting heavy losses. The group succeeded in this during the 2006 Second Lebanon War, raising concerns that Lebanon may once again become a "Lebanese quagmire." The health ministry of Lebanon reports that at least 492 people have died in extensive Israeli air strikes aimed at Hezbollah, marking the deadliest day of conflict in nearly 20 years.

Thousands of families have evacuated their homes as the Israeli military targeted 1,600 Hezbollah installations, built up since the 2006 war. In response, Hezbollah fired over 200 rockets into northern Israel, injuring two people from shrapnel, according to military sources. Global leaders are calling for restraint as tensions escalate towards potential all-out war.

Lebanon's health ministry noted that among the deceased are 35 children and 58 women, with 1,645 others injured. Health Minister Firass Abiad reported significant displacement of families due to the air strikes. UN Secretary General António Guterres expressed concern about the situation, emphasizing a desire to avoid Lebanon becoming "another Gaza."

By Naila Huseynova