Israel's UN ambassador accused Hezbollah of attempting to regain military strength with Iranian support, raising concerns about regional stability and the implementation of a ceasefire agreement.
UNITED NATIONS - Lebanon 's Hezbollah is attempting to regain its military strength and rearm with the aid of Iran , Israel 's UN ambassador asserted to the Security Council on Monday. He emphasized that the militant group poses a significant threat to both Israel and regional stability. Last month, updated US intelligence, reported by Reuters, warned that Iran -backed Hezbollah would likely seek to rebuild its weaponry and forces, presenting a long-term danger to the US and its regional allies.
Following over a year of conflict, Israel and Hezbollah agreed to a 60-day ceasefire brokered by the US, commencing on November 27th. The terms stipulate the deployment of the Lebanese army into south Lebanon as Israeli troops and Hezbollah withdraw their forces.Both sides have accused each other of violating the agreement. 'While Hezbollah's military capabilities were considerably diminished during the war, they are now endeavoring to regain strength and rearm with the assistance of Iran,' wrote Danny Danon, Israel's UN Ambassador, in a letter addressed to the 15-member Security Council. Hezbollah and Iran's mission to the United Nations in New York did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Danon's statements. A senior Lebanese source close to Hezbollah refuted the allegations.Danon stressed the 'imperative' for the Lebanese government and the international community to concentrate on 'curbing the smuggling of weapons, ammunition, and financial support through the Syria-Lebanon border and via air and sea routes.' Danon revealed in his letter, seen by Reuters, that 'there have been several attempts to transfer weapons and cash to Hezbollah' since the ceasefire agreement was reached. He added that Hezbollah's ongoing military buildup often takes place near UN peacekeeping bases and patrols in southern Lebanon. 'Despite this, UNIFIL opted to interpret its mandate leniently, choosing not to take all necessary action to ensure that its area of operations is not utilized for hostile activities of any kind,' Danon wrote.Israel has long criticized the UN peacekeepers, known as UNIFIL, authorized by the Security Council—under resolution 1701—'to assist' Lebanese forces in ensuring the country's south is 'free of any armed personnel, assets and weapons other than those of the government of Lebanon.' Top UN officials have repeatedly emphasized that UNIFIL has a supporting role and cannot be held accountable for the failure of the parties to implement resolution 1701. 'We are concerned that lessons have not been learned, and that today, we are witnessing yet another refusal by the Force to adapt to Hezbollah's changing modus operandi ... as well as a refusal to fully implement their mandate,' Danon stated. —Reuter
HEZBOLLAH IRAN ISRAEL LEBANON UN SECURITY COUNCIL CEASEFIRE WEAPON SMUGGLING UNIFIL RESOLUTION 1701
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