Inside Israel’s Seized Weapons Arsenal from Hezbollah and Hamas

Fox News Digital gained exclusive access to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Tzrifin Base in Central Israel. This base stores a large collection of confiscated military weapons used by Hezbollah and Hamas. The collection includes rockets, grenades, drones, sniper rifles, automated weapons, anti-tank rocket launchers, mortars, and other military equipment.

Confiscated Weapons Arsenal

The seized arsenal consists of weapons from various manufacturers, including Iran, Russia, China, Lebanon, and Gaza. Some items even date back to Nazi Germany. These weapons were part of the machinery used by Hamas and Hezbollah against Israeli civilians and the IDF since the attack on southern Israel by Hamas on October 7, 2023.

Both terror groups, Hezbollah and Hamas, have been linked with the murder of over 300 American citizens. During this period, Israel fought against Iran and its proxies. The aftermath of these battles includes remnants of Iranian rockets scattered at the Tzrifin base for journalists to examine.

Weaponry on Display

One noteworthy weapon is the German World War II-era MG-34 machine gun, seized at a Hezbollah compound in Lebanon. It bears the markings of an eagle carrying a swastika, indicating its origin. This and other Nazi-era weapons are believed to serve as propaganda tools for Iranian-backed militants in Lebanon.

Additionally, the IDF seized an MP 44 assault rifle, also known as StG 44, from Hezbollah. These historical weapons are among the various that reflect a mix of old and modern military technology used by the groups.

Hamas and Hezbollah Tactics

The terror organizations have utilized dual-use technologies to convert civilian vehicles into military equipment. Egyptian Halawa Motors motorcycles were among the items used by Hamas to take hostages during attacks in Israel. Around this time, the Hamas movement killed over 1,200 people, including more than 40 American citizens, and took over 250 hostages.

Also seized were rockets from the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, used as ‘propaganda dummies’ during parades in Gaza. Hezbollah utilized all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) in Lebanon, modified to carry rockets and terrorist fighters. These ATVs provide a strategic advantage in the hilly terrain of southern Lebanon.

Iranian Influence

The IDF captured numerous Iranian-produced weapons, including mortars and drones. Lt. Col. (res.) Idan Sharon-Kettler noted that some drones served merely to divert IDF resources. Additionally, Iranian regime-produced cannons and submachine guns were found embedded in various civilian structures in South Lebanon, reflecting the embedded nature of Hezbollah’s operations.

Military Garb and Equipment

Various uniforms made in Syria, China, and Lebanon were among the confiscated items, reflecting the international sources of support for Hezbollah. The IDF storage facility holds numerous other pieces of military equipment, including AK-47 rifles, sniper rifles from Austria, and a decorated Turkish hunting rifle used by Hezbollah.

Overall, the seized items illustrate the vast array of military resources being used by Hezbollah and Hamas, posing significant security challenges for Israel and the broader region.

International Diplomacy Efforts

The IDF’s actions continue to play a crucial role in regional stability. Despite an agreement reached in November 2024 to cease hostilities between Lebanon and Israel, Sharon-Kettler highlighted the ongoing need to clean military entities targeting civilians out of Lebanon.

Efforts led by the U.S. aim to disarm Hezbollah and enable a staged withdrawal of IDF troops from southern Lebanon. The next talks are scheduled for early September in Rome.

Benjamin Weinthal contributed to this report. He covers news in Israel, Iran, Syria, Turkey, and Europe.