The Israel Defense Forces have revealed a significant cache of weapons seized from Hezbollah and Hamas, showcasing a diverse arsenal with origins from various countries, including Iran and even Nazi-era Germany.
JERUSALEM — The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have unveiled a vast arsenal of confiscated military equipment at the Tzrifin Base in Central Israel. This extensive collection includes rockets, grenades, drones, sniper rifles, automated weapons, anti-tank rocket launchers, mortars, and other military hardware used by Hezbollah and Hamas.
The seized weapons, which range from Iranian-made munitions to equipment produced in Russia, China, and local manufacturers in Lebanon and Gaza, have been utilized in attacks against Israeli civilians and military forces since the onset of hostilities following the Hamas assault on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. Reports indicate that Hezbollah has also employed these weapons against Lebanese civilians.
Hezbollah and Hamas, both designated as terrorist organizations by the United States, are part of Iran’s so-called “axis of resistance.” This coalition has been implicated in the deaths of over 300 American citizens, according to various reports.
During the recent conflict, Israel faced a multi-front war against Iran and its proxies. The remnants of Iranian rockets can be seen scattered around the Tzrifin weapons storage facility, which was opened to journalists for inspection. Notably, Tehran launched rockets into civilian areas, targeting major cities such as Tel Aviv and Be’ersheva. Following a joint U.S.-Israeli operation against Iran in late February, the Islamic Republic retaliated by firing a ballistic missile into Be’ersheva, injuring 19 individuals.
Among the more surprising finds at the Tzrifin Base is a German World War II-era MG 34 machine gun, which bears the Nazi swastika emblem. Lt. Col. (res.) Idan Sharon-Kettler, commander of the Captured Equipment Evacuation Unit, noted that the gun has been used for propaganda purposes by Iranian-backed terrorists in Lebanon. Another Nazi-era weapon, the MP 44 (also known as the StG 44), was also confiscated from Hezbollah.
Hamas and Hezbollah have demonstrated a sophisticated ability to repurpose civilian vehicles for military use, employing dual-use technology that serves both civilian and military functions. Sharon-Kettler highlighted an Egyptian Halawa Motors motorcycle captured in Israel on October 7, which was used by Hamas to take hostages. The attack on that day resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 people, including more than 40 American citizens, and the abduction of over 250 individuals.
The IDF has also seized rockets from Palestinian Islamic Jihad, which were used as “propaganda dummies” during parades against Israel in Gaza. Additionally, the IDF captured all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) utilized by Hezbollah in Lebanon to transport rockets and militants. One specific ATV was designed to carry six rockets with launchers, allowing Hezbollah to control strategic roads in the hilly terrain of southern Lebanon.
Sharon-Kettler explained that these ATVs are particularly effective in the rugged landscape, providing Hezbollah with a tactical advantage. The IDF displayed a variety of Iranian-produced mortars, with Sharon-Kettler stating that “hundreds” of mortars have been found in Lebanon. The IDF also captured drones, some of which are used to create distractions for Israeli forces.
According to Sharon-Kettler, the IDF has seized “dozens” of Iranian-produced cannons in southern Lebanese villages, where Hezbollah maintains a stronghold. These cannons were often found positioned in residential areas, with some pointing out of windows. Among the captured artillery, one cannon was identified as having Russian origins.
Hezbollah, similar to Hamas, embeds its operatives within civilian populations, utilizing hospitals, schools, and mosques as shields. The IDF storage site is filled with Russian-produced AK-47 automatic rifles, including more recent models like the AK-103 and AK-104. Sharon-Kettler noted that light sniper rifles, some manufactured in Iran and others in Russia, are prevalent among Hezbollah and Hamas forces.
In addition to firearms, the IDF has recovered a Turkish hunting rifle that was used by Hezbollah, as well as sophisticated Austrian Steyr sniper rifles, including the HS .50 caliber model. The IDF also found Iranian replicas of the Steyr sniper rifle.
The IDF’s collection includes a wide array of military gear, such as uniforms produced in Syria, China, and Lebanon, along with helmets, anti-shrapnel vests, and medical kits. Sharon-Kettler emphasized the necessity of Israel’s operations in Lebanon, stating that despite agreements with the Lebanese government, the presence of military entities targeting Israeli civilians remains a pressing concern.
The IDF commander referred to a ceasefire agreement reached in November 2024 between Lebanon and Israel, which aimed to halt hostilities with Hezbollah. Following the escalation of violence on October 8, 2023, Hezbollah joined Hamas in its attacks against Israel.
A U.S. State Department official recently stated that efforts to disarm Hezbollah and facilitate a staged withdrawal of IDF troops from southern Lebanon will continue. The next round of discussions is scheduled for early September in Rome. The official expressed optimism about the trajectory of the talks, acknowledging the challenges posed by Hezbollah’s attempts to undermine the process, while recognizing the complexities faced by both Israel and Lebanon as democracies under domestic political pressure.
These developments underscore the ongoing tensions in the region and the multifaceted nature of the conflict involving Iran and its proxies.
According to Fox News.