Experts see Hezbollah ‘escalation’ in use of new missiles, as group weathers Israeli bombardment

Source: Breaking Defense

BEIRUT — Ten days after the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and amid an aggressive Israeli bombardment, a senior Hezbollah official today attempted to assauge any of the group’s concerns by saying its capabilities are “fine.” The claim comes as experts say that the Iran-backed group, at least, has shown off the range of its arsenal, firing several new missiles and rockets for the first time in recent weeks.

“Hundreds of rockets and dozens of aircraft, a great number of settlements and cities have come under rocket fire,” Naim Qassem, deputy leader of Hezbollah, said today in a televised speech in Arabic, with his use of “aircraft” likely referring to drones. “I would like to reassure you that our capabilities are fine.”

Hezbollah’s capacity to fight is a key question as the conflict in Lebanon intensifies, after the Israeli military said it has managed to take out several of the groups top leaders, in addition to striking hundreds of its members. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a video posted online today that Hezbollah is “weaker than it has been for many, many years.”

But as Israel has been striking Hezbollah, the group has been firing back — over 3,000 rockets and missiles in the last two weeks, according to the Israel Defense Forces.

Experts specifically pointed to Hezbollah’s use of several new projectiles, including the Qadr 1 ballistic missile, Noor cruise missiles and Fadi 4 and Falaq 2 rockets. Hezbollah claimed to have used the Qadr 1 last month and the others more recently, according to public statements.

“The use of new, more sophisticated missiles by Hezbollah signals an escalation as well as a political message to show off strength for deterrence, especially amid the step up by Netanyahu,” defense analyst Sine Özkaraşahin told Breaking Defense.

She added that level and sophistication of the systems seen in the recent strikes show that “Hezbollah is taking the fight deeper, most likely with Iran’s support.”

-----------------------

Core provides OSINT data collection for free but we do incur time and expenses in do so. Any donation amount you can provide (one time or recurring) is highly appreciated and it helps us fund this effort of information sharing. You can donate here if you choose to opine.

Thank you!