Lebanese media reported Wednesday that Iran has offered to sell the Lebanese army a variety of weapons. The Lebanese have expressed interest in the offer, and have asked for advanced anti-aircraft systems.
Iran and Syria have long been accused by Israel and the West of arming militias within Lebanon, including the pro-Iranian Hizbullah. The government of Lebanon itself has received its military aid from the United States and Europe.
The request for advanced air defense could be a reaction to heightened tensions between Israel and Lebanon in wake of Hizbullah's increased power in the Lebanese government.
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu warned last month that if Hizbullah were to attack Israel again, Israel would hold the government of Lebanon responsible. “Lebanese politics is changing," he said. "The moment Hizbullah is a part of the government, the sovereign government of Lebanon is held responsible."
Similar remarks were made by Defense Minister Ehud Barak and Deputy Foreign Minister Daniel Ayalon.
Hizbullah Proposes Turning to Iran
In May, Hizbullah chieftain Hassan Nasrallah suggested that the government of Lebanon turn to Iran for aid, which, he said, would “gladly” arm Lebanon. Nasrallah said that if voters chose Hizbullah, the party would work to strengthen the Lebanese army with help from Iran. This promise angered Lebanon's coalition parties, most of which oppose Syrian and Iranian control in Lebanon.
Israeli military experts have expressed concern that if the Lebanese army were to receive advanced anti-aircraft systems, the weapons could end up in the hands of Hizbullah and other Lebanese terrorist groups.