Defense Minister Gantz has signed an administrative seizure order against three Lebanese companies supplying raw materials for Hezbollah’s precision project, aimed at developing and acquiring precision guided missiles.
Such missiles have highly advanced navigation systems which enable the projectile to strike its target within an accuracy of a few meters. Hezbollah is engaged in converting its conventional missiles to precision guided missiles, with the active assistance of Iran.
(Click here for more information about the Hezbollah precision project.)
The companies against which the seizure order was issued maintain trade relations on an ongoing basis with Hezbollah and provide them with equipment used for the precision project.
The three companies, TOUFALI, MOUBAYED and BARAKAT, trade in machines, oils and ventilation systems that are required for Hezbollah’s production line and the precision project in particular.
The Defense Minister’s seizure orders will allow the companies to be blacklisted in the world’s financial systems and will make it very difficult for them to continue operating.
It is the second time in recent months that the defense establishment has issued an order aimed at undermining Hezbollah’s precision project.
“Hezbollah are endangering the citizens of Lebanon and the State of Lebanon – we will continue to offer humanitarian assistance to the citizens and act resolutely in the face of the Iranian precision project operating from the heart of Lebanon,” Gantz said in a statement.
The order came as part of a joint operation by Israel Military Intelligence and the National Bureau for Counter Terror financing of Israel (NBCTF) at the Ministry of Defense.
It is being considered part of the defense minister’s directive to tighten economic pressure on the precision project in Lebanon, and joins a seizure order against a similar company signed by the defense minister last August.
“Instead of helping and rehabilitating the citizens of Lebanon – Hezbollah continues to endanger the citizens of Lebanon and the entire country and sow chaos,” Gantz said.
“Hezbollah, with Iran’s support, is undermining the ability to stabilize Lebanon.
“Israel will continue to reach out to the Lebanese people and offer humanitarian aid, while at the same time continuing to undermine attempts to introduce advanced weapons that will endanger its citizens, with an emphasis on promoting the Iranian precision project that works from the heart of Lebanon.”
