‘Primary Source of Arms’: Israel Targets Syria-Lebanon Border Crossings Used to Supply Weapons to Hezbollah

Latest Developments

• Israel Strikes Jusiyah Border Crossing: The Israeli Air Force struck the Jusiyah border crossing between Lebanon and Syria on November 23, a key transit point for the smuggle of weapons from Iran to its Lebanese proxy Hezbollah. The weapons are transferred through Jusiyah  and other Syrian-controlled crossings by Unit 4400, the Hezbollah unit responsible for executing the weapons transfers.

• Heated Weekend Sees Uptick in Northern Front Fighting: Hezbollah launched around 115 attacks at Israeli communities over two days during the weekend, an increase from the Thursday and Friday’s total of 76. Additionally, the Israeli Air Force struck “several” targets in Beirut’s Dahieh suburb over the weekend as ceasefire talks reportedly edge closer to a deal.

• IDF Continues Targeting Weapons Supply Routes Through Syria: The strikes on Jusiyah Crossing are the latest iteration of the IDF’s strategy of targeting Hezbollah’s supply lines from Syria in an effort to halt weapons shipments from Iran. In early October, the IDF targeted the Masnaa Crossing between Lebanon and Syria, which had recently become the “primary source of arms” for Hezbollah.

FDD Expert Response

“The strike on the Jusiyah Crossing underscores that Israeli military action is the only credible tool to degrade Hezbollah and prevent its regeneration. The Lebanese government has long ceded its sovereignty and control over its borders to the Islamic Republic of Iran, and it’s evident they have no intention of reasserting either.” — David Daoud, Senior Fellow

“On Sunday alone, Hezbollah claimed 51 attacks against Israel, marking a significant escalation compared to previous days. Hezbollah continues to receive weapons shipments directly from Iran through multiple means, including Syria. Consequently, Israel has bombed border crossings and previously interdicted Iranian flights to Beirut in order to interrupt the flow of arms to Hezbollah during the war.” — Joe Truzman, Senior Research Analyst and Editor at FDD’s Long War Journal

“Hezbollah’s regeneration hinges on several factors, chief among them its ability to secure funding and arms through its access to the Syrian border. Any potential ceasefire agreement must address this issue comprehensively and find a robust mechanism to enforce. Failing to do so risks repeating the mistakes of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, where, in the decade and a half since its passing, the Lebanese Armed Forces have failed to stop Hezbollah’s resurgence and rearmament, leading to the situation today.”— Ahmad Sharawi, Research Analyst

FDD Background and Analysis

“‘Significant’ Damage: IDF Strikes Hezbollah Smuggling Routes Between Syria and Lebanon,” FDD Flash Brief

“Hezbollah’s Unit 4400,” by David Daoud and Ahmad Sharawi

“The War After the War Between Wars,” by Jonathan Schanzer