Israel has accused Hezbollah at the UN of trying to rebuild its capabilities with Iran’s help

Lebanon’s Hezbollah is actively seeking to restore its strength and rearm with support from Iran, as stated by Israel‘s U.N. ambassador during a Security Council meeting on Monday. He emphasized that the group continues to pose a significant threat to both Israel and regional stability.

Recent U.S. intelligence, reported by Reuters, indicated that Hezbollah, backed by Iran, is likely to attempt to rebuild its military stockpiles and forces, which could present a long-term risk to the United States and its allies in the region.

Following over a year of conflict, Israel and Hezbollah have agreed to a U.S.-mediated ceasefire lasting 60 days, effective from November 27. This agreement stipulates that the Lebanese army will be deployed in southern Lebanon while both Israeli and Hezbollah forces withdraw. However, both parties have accused one another of breaching the ceasefire terms.

Israel’s U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon noted that although Hezbollah’s military capabilities were significantly diminished during the conflict, the group is now working to regain its strength with Iranian assistance. He communicated this concern to the 15-member Security Council.

Hezbollah and Iran’s U.N. mission in New York have not yet responded to Danon’s statements, while a senior Lebanese official associated with Hezbollah has refuted the claims. Danon stressed the urgent need for the Lebanese government and the international community to focus on preventing the smuggling of weapons, ammunition, and financial resources across the Syria-Lebanon border, as well as through air and sea routes.

Since the establishment of the ceasefire agreement, Danon noted in a letter reviewed by Reuters that there have been multiple efforts to supply weapons and funds to Hezbollah. He pointed out that Hezbollah’s military expansion has frequently occurred in proximity to U.N. peacekeeping bases and patrols in southern Lebanon.

“Nevertheless, UNIFIL has opted for a lenient interpretation of its mandate, failing to take all necessary measures to prevent its operational area from being used for any hostile activities,” Danon stated.

Israel has consistently criticized the U.N. peacekeepers, known as UNIFIL, which were authorized by the Security Council under resolution 1701 to “assist” Lebanese forces in ensuring that the southern region of the country remains “free of any armed personnel, assets, and weapons other than those of the government of Lebanon.”

Senior U.N. officials have emphasized that UNIFIL’s role is supportive and that the failure to implement resolution 1701 cannot be attributed to them. “We are troubled that lessons have not been learned, and that we are currently witnessing yet another instance of the Force’s unwillingness to adapt to Hezbollah’s evolving tactics, as well as a reluctance to fully execute their mandate,” Danon remarked.