Merely three years since the Second Lebanon War between Israel and Hezbollah, the terror group substantially increased its military capabilities and poses an extreme risk to Israel. Hezbollah reportedly has 40,000 missiles targeting Israel, with some of the rockets capable of striking as far as Tel Aviv. During the 2006 war, the Israeli military attacked terrorist targets in southern Lebanon in response to Hezbollah rocket attacks into northern Israel. None of Hezbollah’s munitions came close to striking the heart of Israel.
Moreover, Israel remains militarily superior partially due to the capabilities of the Israeli air-force. Hezbollah, though, has trained its members in using anti-aircraft devices that, if successful, could limit Israel’s ability to use its air-force in combating the militant group.
Even shortly following the 2006 war, cast by many as a failed military campaign by Israel, Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah expressed defiance to Israel, threatening the Jewish state. Regardless of the capabilities of Hezbollah, Nasrallah has publicly stated his intention to destroy Israel, although many analysts believe that these statements are groundless. The compilation of the extensive supply of munitions and Nasrallah’s threats could signal a change in posture by the terror group that would result in renewed violence along the border.
Hezbollah obtains the bulk of its munitions from Iran. With increased tension between Iran and Israel, particularly due to fear that Iran will soon possess an ability to produce nuclear weapons, any war between the two countries would assuredly also involve Hezbollah. Moreover, Iran could be supplying Hezbollah with advanced munitions capable of significant damage to Tel Aviv or the Israeli air force.