Israeli Prime Minister Reports Discovery of Advanced Russian Weapons in Hezbollah Bases

The Israeli Prime Minister announced in an interview with the French newspaper Le Figaro that the country's army has discovered advanced Russian-made weapons while searching Hezbollah bases in southern Lebanon. Benjamin Netanyahu added in the interview published on Wednesday, October 25, that 'Hezbollah has dug hundreds of tunnels and underground hideouts in southern Lebanon, and we have found advanced Russian weapons in these hideouts.' In another part of his conversation with Le Figaro, he referred to his request and the UN Security Council resolution for Hezbollah to withdraw to the north of the Litani River, noting: 'According to the UN Security Council resolution of 2006, only the Lebanese army is allowed to be armed and stationed along the Litani River.' He also described a new civil war in Lebanon as a 'tragedy' and emphasized: 'Our goal is not to create war, nor do we intend to interfere in Lebanon's internal affairs. Our only aim is to restore security and life to our citizens living along the Lebanese border.' The American newspaper Washington Post had previously reported, citing Israeli officials, that in recent Israeli attacks on Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon, a large number of Russian and Chinese-made anti-tank weapons have been discovered. Russia, China, North Korea, and the Islamic Republic have been accused by Western countries of military cooperation, especially in the context of the war between Russia and Ukraine, and have faced international sanctions over the past two years. Hezbollah, supported by the Iranian government, has been engaged in conflict with Israel since October 8, 2023, following Hamas's attack on Israel and the beginning of the war in Gaza. The Israeli army has bombed Hezbollah positions in Beirut, eliminated senior commanders and its secretary-general, and attacked their fortifications in southern Lebanon since mid-September this year. Israeli officials state that their goal in the war with Hezbollah is to create security and peace for the residents of northern areas of the country. The Israeli army claims to have discovered Hezbollah's underground tunnels in southern Lebanon and has attacked 'dozens of Hezbollah terrorist targets' in the Nabatieh region of Lebanon. Israeli companies have been banned from participating in a naval weapons exhibition in Paris; the Israeli Defense Minister called it shameful. A Reuters investigative report highlighted deadly pagers that incapacitated Hezbollah. New US sanctions have been imposed on networks financing Hezbollah and the Syrian government. The European Union stated that 'UNIFIL' forces will not withdraw from southern Lebanon.