Israel Targets Hezbollah Intelligence Branch and Ammunition Sites in Syria

Latest Developments

• Israeli Airstrikes Target Hezbollah’s Intelligence Headquarters Branch Near Damascus: In a rare statement acknowledging a military operation in Syria, the IDF said that it struck targets belonging to Hezbollah’s intelligence headquarters in Syria on November 4. “The targeting of Hezbollah’s military intelligence assets in Syria further contributes to the operations in Lebanon, undermining the intelligence abilities of the Hezbollah terrorist organization,” the IDF explained.

• The Israeli Air Force Targets Hezbollah Weapons Storage Facilities in Western Syria: On November 5, the Israeli military said that based on intelligence collected, the air force carried out airstrikes against Hezbollah weapons sites in the area of al-Qusayr. Hezbollah’s munitions unit is responsible for storing the organization’s weapons in Lebanon and has expanded its activity to Syria, the IDF detailed.

• Israel is Degrading Key Areas of Hezbollah’s Infrastructure: Hezbollah’s leadership, military infrastructure, and financial network have been key areas that Israel has targeted since the Jewish state launched a ground invasion in southern Lebanon on October 1. Israel has eliminated key figures such as former Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah as well as targeting the organization’s funds that it uses to function. Meanwhile, Israel has destroyed Hezbollah’s extensive tunnel network in southern Lebanon and targeted operatives from its drone program.

FDD Expert Response

“Israel’s successive strikes on the commanders and assets of Hezbollah’s Unit 4400, which is in charge of ferrying weapons from Iran, are part of a comprehensive strategy seeking to strangle the group’s access to weapons resupply while degrading Hezbollah inside Lebanon. But despite initial spectacular successes, Israel’s strategy is far from complete. It will take time and consistent effort to neutralize the threat posed by Hezbollah.” — David Daoud, FDD Senior Fellow

“Israel’s strategy to deal a significant blow against Hezbollah can be summed up with a simple analogy: If a few key components of a vehicle are eliminated or badly damaged, it can render the car inoperable. In the case of Hezbollah, eliminating the organization’s leadership, interdicting funds to pay for its war-related expenses, and destroying its important tunnel networks in southern Lebanon will hobble the group, at least temporarily. This strategy may give the leverage Israel needs to negotiate a ceasefire that could end the conflict in the north.” — Joe Truzman, Senior Research Analyst and Editor at FDD’s Long War Journal

FDD Background and Analysis

“Analysis: Israeli airstrikes hit Hezbollah’s intelligence branch in Syria,” by Joe Truzman

“Syria Blames Israel for Strikes on Military Research Center,” FDD Flash Brief

“IDF Special Forces Conducted Daring Raid on Iranian Precision Missile Factory in Syria,” FDD Flash Brief