Israel's Ambassador To The United Nations Accuses Hezbollah Of Trying To Rebuild Its Strength With Iran's Support

Israel's Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon. (Twitter/@dannydanon)

JAKARTA - Israel's ambassador to the United Nations said on Monday Lebanese militant group Hezbollah was trying to "re-re-obtain power and weapons with the help of Iran".

This was conveyed by Ambassador Danny Danon to the UN Security Council, underscoring that the militant group remains a "serious threat" to Israel and regional stability.

An updated US intelligence last month has warned that Iran-backed Hezbollah is likely to try to rebuild supplies and troops, which poses a long-term threat to the US and its regional allies.

"Although Hezbollah's military capabilities were significantly reduced during the war, they are now seeking to regain power and arm themselves with the help of Iran," Ambassador Danon wrote to the 15-member Security Council.

Hezbollah and Iran's mission to the United Nations in New York did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Danon's statement.

Meanwhile, a senior Lebanese source close to Hezbollah denied the allegations.

Ambassador Danon said it was "very important" for the Lebanese government and the international community to focus on "restrictions on arms smuggling, ammunition and financial support through the Syrian-Lebanon border and by air and sea."

Since the ceasefire agreement was reached, "there have been several attempts to transfer weapons and cash to Hezbollah," Danon wrote in a letter seen by Reuters.

He said Hezbollah's ongoing military build-up was sometimes close to the UN peacekeeping base and patrols in southern Lebanon.

"Nevertheless, UNIFIL chose to softly interpret its mandate, choosing not to take all necessary measures to ensure that its area of operation is not used for hostile activities of any kind," wrote Danon.

Israel has long criticized UN peacekeeping force UNIFIL, authorized by the Security Council based on resolution 1701 - "to assist" Lebanese troops in ensuring the southern region of the country is "free from armed personnel, assets, and any weapons other than belonging to the Lebanese government."

Separately, top UN officials have repeatedly emphasized that UNIFIL has a supporting role and cannot be blamed for the failure of the parties to carry out resolution 1701.

"We are concerned that lessons have not been learned, and that today, we are witnessing another refusal by Troops to adapt to Hezbollah's changing modus operandi, as well as refusal to fully carry out their mandate," Ambassador Danon said.

Israel and Hezbollah agreed to a 60-day ceasefire brokered by the US - from 27 November - after more than a year of conflict.

These requirements require Lebanese soldiers to be deployed to southern Lebanon when Israeli forces and Hezbollah withdraw troops. However, both sides accused each other of violating the deal.