IDF Seizes Massive Hezbollah Arsenal in Southern Lebanon

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported the seizure of a staggering 85,170 Hezbollah military items from over 30 villages in southern Lebanon. These items were displayed to the media at an IDF base in the North on Tuesday. Among the seized items are 2,250 larger rockets, 6,840 smaller anti-tank missiles, and 340 advanced Kornet missiles. Additionally, the IDF confiscated 60 anti-aircraft missiles, 20 vehicles capable of launching dozens of rockets at once, 9,000 improvised explosives, 5,560 firearms, and over 60,000 electronic items, documents, and other military equipment.

The large-scale operations have dealt a significant blow to Hezbollah's military capabilities. The IDF reports that 3,851 Hezbollah militants have been eliminated, with approximately 9,000 more wounded since the beginning of the war. This included over 700 members of Hezbollah’s elite Radwan special forces and 70% of its commanders. Additionally, the IDF claims to have destroyed 75% of Hezbollah’s short-range rockets and 70% of its strategic weapons. Long-range rockets have been reduced from 1,000 to around 100, significantly weakening Hezbollah’s offensive capabilities.

The IDF also reports having destroyed 1,000 Hezbollah sites in southern Lebanon, with some locations containing hundreds of mortars. While the military continues its operations, IDF forces have begun to withdraw from parts of southern Lebanon, as part of the truce agreement with Hezbollah. The withdrawal is scheduled to be completed by January 26, 2024, although it depends on Hezbollah’s adherence to the ceasefire.

Hezbollah has largely respected the ceasefire since November 26, with only minor violations, including the occasional rocket launch into Israel. However, sources suggest that the Lebanese army may struggle to maintain control in areas vacated by the IDF, given Hezbollah’s strong presence in southern Lebanon.