'Officer in N. Command warns Hezbollah commanders'

London-based 'Al-Hayyat' prints warning to Hezbollah officials in s. Lebanon against firing rockets, reportedly from senior IDF commander.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
Hezbollah rocket launcher 311 (R) (photo credit: Reuters)
Hezbollah rocket launcher 311 (R)
(photo credit: Reuters)
According to a report in the London-based Al-Hayyat Arabic-language newspaper Saturday, a senior officer in the IDF's Northern Command sent a warning to 150 Hezbollah commanders in southern Lebanon against firing rockets into Israel, Israel Radio reported.
In his message, the unnamed officer in the Northern Command warned Hezbollah commanders that if they fire one rocket into Israeli territory that they will face a harsh response, according to the report.
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Addressing Hezbollah's use of civilian areas in southern Lebanon as cover for its activities, the message warned that if a rocket is fired from a house or other building, the launch site would be immediately destroyed.
In late March, the IDF released maps showing Hezbollah military sites in southern Lebanon, most of which are located in nearly 200 villages.
Hezbollah is believed today to have over 40,000 rockets and missiles, including several hundred long-range missiles that can hit targets in Tel Aviv with superior accuracy.
While Hezbollah is continuing to build up its arsenal, it is currently believed by the IDF to be deterred from renewing hostilities with Israel.
The previous release of maps detailing was said to be part of a public diplomacy campaign aimed at preparing the world for the widespread devastation that will likely occur in Lebanon if there should be a new Israeli war with Hezbollah, due to Hezbollah’s decision to station its assets inside populated villages.
Yaakov Katz contributed to this report.