Israeli soldiers uncovered a weapons cache hidden beneath a schoolyard in southern Lebanon. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the discovery on Tuesday. The underground Hezbollah facility stretched several meters and contained rockets, explosives, and rocket-propelled grenades.
More Weapons Found Nearby
In a nearby building, soldiers seized additional weapons and equipment. They captured rocket launchers, anti-tank missiles, military supplies, and intelligence documents. The IDF stated these items were likely part of Hezbollah’s military operations.
Netanyahu Vows to Stop Hezbollah
On Monday night, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the Knesset. He stressed the need for continued action against Hezbollah.
“We will be required, in order to ensure our security in the north, to systematically carry out operations—not only against Hezbollah’s attacks, which could come. Even if there is a ceasefire, nobody can guarantee it will hold. So it’s not only our reaction, a preventive reaction, a reaction in the wake of attack but also the capacity to prevent Hezbollah from strengthening,” he said.
Hezbollah Hides Weapons in Civilian Areas
Experts say Hezbollah heavily relies on civilian areas to hide its weapons. Sarit Zahavi, founder of the Alma Research Center, explained the group’s strategy.
“Hezbollah stores their weapons everywhere, both between villages and within the villages themselves. By and large, every third house in the Shi’ite villages of south Lebanon is used in some way by Hezbollah for military purposes, be it weapons storage, the entrance of a tunnel, or a launchpad for shooting rockets at Israel,” she said.
Zahavi added that soldiers have found cruise missiles inside homes, ready to launch.
Conflict Escalates After Hamas Attacks
The situation worsened after Hamas attacked Israeli communities on October 7, 2023. Since then, Hezbollah has fired rockets and drones daily at northern Israel. More than 68,000 Israeli residents have been forced to leave their homes. Hezbollah leaders vowed to keep attacking to prevent Israelis from returning.
Violations of UN Resolution
Hezbollah’s actions violate UN Security Council Resolution 1701. This resolution, passed after the 2006 Lebanon War, prohibits Hezbollah from operating south of the Litani River. However, their military activities in the area continue.
Impact of October 7 Attacks
The October 7 attacks had devastating consequences. Over 1,200 people were killed, and 252 individuals, including foreigners, were taken hostage. Of the 97 hostages still held, more than 30 have been declared dead. Hamas also continues to hold two Israeli civilians, as well as the remains of two soldiers killed in 2014.
