Iran Reportedly Supplied Hezbollah $129 Million in Arms in 2024
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS French by baba
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Iran reportedly provided Hezbollah $129 million in arms in 2024.
- Hezbollah's total military acquisitions reached an estimated $157 million.
- The report assesses Hezbollah's military and financial dependence on Iran.
- Acquired weapons include thousands of rockets, missiles, and drones.
- Hezbollah's direct spending focused on small arms and ammunition.
Hezbollah's military acquisitions in 2024 have been largely sustained by Iranian support, despite ongoing conflict with Israel, according to a report by the Israeli Center for Research on Terrorism Financing (CENTEF). The report estimates that the Lebanese Shiite movement received or purchased approximately $157 million worth of weapons and equipment this year. Of this total, Iran is estimated to have provided $129 million in free arms and material deliveries, while Hezbollah's direct expenditures amounted to about $28 million.
The study, titled "Hezbollah Financial Statements," aims to assess the group's military and financial reliance on Iran. Researchers estimate Hezbollah acquired between 4,500 and 6,500 rockets and missiles in 2024, including approximately 4,000 short-range rockets, 400 Falaq rockets, 120 Burkan rockets, and 600 heavier rockets like the Fajr family. Deliveries of more sophisticated systems were reportedly more constrained, with an estimated 40 Fateh-110/M-600 missiles and 150 guidance kits acquired.
The report highlights that Iran must balance its production between its own forces and allied organizations, limiting the advanced weaponry available to Hezbollah. The group's own spending focused on small arms, ammunition, drone components, and dual-use equipment, acquired through international networks. These acquisitions included an estimated 5,000 rifles, 80 mortar tubes, 15,000 mortar shells, and 8 million rounds of ammunition, along with 2,000 improvised explosive devices.
Authors acknowledge the clandestine nature of arms procurement, stating their estimates are based on cross-referenced public information, historical stock replenishment rates, and analysis of Iranian production and delivery capabilities. Sharon Gal, CENTEF's Director General, suggested that understanding these supply chains could help weaken Hezbollah. The center is also examining Hezbollah's civilian expenditures, including media operations estimated between $26 and $28 million in 2024, with its Al-Manar television channel accounting for a significant portion.
Read the original at i24NEWS French