Access Granted to IDF Tsurifin Base

Jerusalem: Recently, there’s been a rare opportunity to see the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Tsurifin base in central Israel. This base is significant, containing a large collection of confiscated military equipment, including rockets, grenades, drones, sniper rifles, and various automatic weapons, primarily used by Hezbollah and Hamas.

The amassed weaponry, which spans sources from Iran and Russia to local manufacturers in Lebanon and Gaza, even includes some firearms dating back to the Nazi era. This arsenal has been pivotal for Hamas and Hezbollah in their operations against Israeli civilians and military forces since the attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023.

The IDF also pointed out that Hezbollah has targeted Lebanese civilians with these weapons. Both groups are tied to Iran’s so-called “Axis of Resistance.” Reports indicate that over 300 American citizens have lost their lives due to actions taken by these terrorist organizations.

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The ongoing conflict has seen Israel combating various assaults from Iranian proxies. Notably, remnants of Iranian missiles litter the ground near the Tsurifin weapons storage site for scrutiny by journalists.

Iran has targeted civilian locations during the conflict, including major Israeli cities like Tel Aviv and Beersheba. In a significant event, after a joint attack by the U.S. and Israel against Iran in late February, a ballistic missile launched by the Islamic Republic injured 19 individuals in Beersheba.

Identifying a small Nazi swastika symbol on a World War II-era German MG-34 machine gun discovered at a Hezbollah site in Lebanon can be a challenge for many. However, for Lieutenant Colonel Idan Sharon Kettler of the Captured Equipment Removal Unit, it is just another day involving regular weapons identification.

Sharon Kettler noted, “The German MG-34 has an eagle with a swastika on it.” He explained that such weaponry from the Nazi era was primarily utilized by Iranian-backed terrorists in Lebanon for “propaganda and morale-boosting.” Another Nazi-era firearm, the MP 44, was also confiscated from Hezbollah.

Hamas and Hezbollah, both classified as terrorist organizations by the United States, have made strides in using vehicles as formidable weapons. This dual-use technology serves as a significant resource for both groups.

“Motorcycles like this have taken Israelis hostage,” Sharon Kettler mentioned, while displaying a motorcycle seized in Israel that was manufactured by Egypt’s Halawa Motors. The brutal assault by Hamas on October 7 led to over 1,200 deaths, including more than 40 Americans, while also resulting in the abduction of over 250 individuals.

The IDF has also captured a rocket used as a “propaganda dummy” during an anti-Israel demonstration in Gaza.

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The Israeli military has intercepted an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) utilized by Hezbollah to transport rockets and operatives. One of these ATVs was capable of carrying six rocket launchers. Sharon Kettler emphasized its strategic advantage, stating, “You can sit on top of a hill and control the road passing beneath, and with six anti-tank rockets, you could halt almost any vehicle.” Such vehicles are especially useful for Hezbollah in the rugged terrain of southern Lebanon.

Additionally, the IDF displayed Iranian mortars, asserting, “We found hundreds of mortars” within Lebanon. They also seized several drones, including one named Decay, with some drones being employed to create distractions during conflicts.

Sharon Kettler elaborated on the extent of the IDF’s recoveries, claiming they have captured “dozens” of artillery pieces made by the Iranian regime in villages within southern Lebanon, pivotal areas for Hezbollah operations. He recounted discovering homes with cannons protruding from their windows, including one Russian-made cannon.

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Similar to Hamas, Hezbollah embeds its fighters within civilian infrastructures such as hospitals, schools, and mosques. The IDF’s storerooms are filled with various Russian-made AK-47 rifles and other models.

In their operations, Israeli forces have confiscated advanced Russian automatic rifles like the AK-103 and AK-104 in southern Lebanon. “Lightweight sniper rifles from both Iranian and Russian origins are commonly found among Hezbollah and Hamas,” remarked Sharon Kettler.

They also uncovered a highly ornate Turkish hunting rifle and noted that Hezbollah was in possession of advanced Austrian Steyr sniper rifles, including the powerful HS .50 caliber sniper model. Sharon Kettler showcased a replica of an Iranian-manufactured Steyr sniper rifle.

IDF weaponry experts reported seizing submachine guns made by Russia and China in Lebanon, alongside anti-tank launchers from those same countries.

Additional items captured include uniforms, helmets, shrapnel-proof vests, and medical kits crafted in Syria, China, and Lebanon, reflecting a comprehensive arsenal for military and guerilla operations.

Sharon Kettler articulated Israel’s motives for its operations in Lebanon, stating, “Even post-agreement with the Lebanese Army, our findings indicate that if we aren’t actively working to clear Lebanon of military organizations threatening civilians, no one else is.” He marked the significance of a November 2024 ceasefire agreement which aimed to halt hostilities between Lebanon and Israel following Hezbollah’s alignment with Hamas in the war against Israel from October 8, 2023.

State Department representatives recently informed that U.S.-led initiatives are underway, focusing on disarming Hezbollah while gradually reducing IDF presence in southern Lebanon.

Upcoming talks are set for early September in Rome. A State Department official expressed optimism about the discussions, noting the complexities involved: “Hezbollah is attempting to obstruct progress, and both Israel and Lebanon face internal political strains. However, the mere fact that these teams are engaging, communicating directly, and exploring options signifies a noteworthy structural change.”