Amid a major uptick in militant activity in the West Bank, 

FDD’s Long War

Journal has confirmed with a senior Israeli military official that Hezbollah has been
smuggling weapons into the West Bank.

The story, first reported by Shira Rubin at The Washington Post, implicates

Hezbollah – and to an extent – Iran in supporting the buildup of militant
organizations led by Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) in the West Bank.

Before it was discovered that Hezbollah was arming the West Bank, it was not entirely
clear if Palestinian groups were receiving support from abroad. Though Islamic
Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Chief Hossein Salami recently stated the West
Bank “could be armed” in the same manner as Gaza and the “process” was already
underway.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have thwarted numerous attempts to smuggle
weapons from Lebanon into Israel since last year. In 2021, IDF troops and Israeli
police “thwarted the largest attempt” when it confiscated 43 guns worth almost $1
million USD, according to a tweet published by the Israeli military. The Israeli
military’s statement also added that it was examining the possibility of Hezbollah’s
involvement.
It’s worth noting since the beginning of this year, FDD’s Long War Journal has
tracked the establishment of several nascent Palestinian militant organizations.

Of these groups, FDD’s Long War Journal has identified six militant organizations

which have issued statements identifying their affiliation with the newly established
formations or have claimed responsibility for attacking IDF troops with these groups.

Katibat Jenin and Katibat Nablus are led by Palestinian Islamic Jihad while Hizam al-
Nar is headed by Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades.

Hamas, The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, and The Democratic Front
for the Liberation of Palestine are also active in these formations but play a smaller
role. While all of these groups have their own political movements and so-called
military wings, they operate under the Katibat and Hizam al-Nar organizations as a
single unit to combat IDF operations.

Also, an organization called The Lion’s Den was recently established with apparent
ties to al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades. [See FDD’s Long War Journal: A Newly Established
Militant Organization in the West Bank Claims Several Attacks]

A similar model has been employed in Gaza with the joint operations room of the
Palestinian factions. Approximately a dozen militant organizations operate under the
Hamas-led operations room umbrella during times of conflict against Israel.

Joe Truzman is a contributor to FDD's Long War Journal.

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