Jerusalem, Dec 7 (NationPress) The Israeli Air Force executed airstrikes on weapon-smuggling routes and military facilities close to the Syrian-Lebanese border overnight, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported in a statement.

As per the IDF on Friday, these routes were utilized by Hezbollah for weapon transportation, according to the Xinhua news agency.

"This strike is part of the IDF's sustained efforts to dismantle weapon-smuggling routes operated by the Syrian regime along the Syrian-Lebanese border in recent weeks," the statement elaborated.

The IDF stressed that the strikes targeted Hezbollah's Unit 4400, identified as being responsible for smuggling arms used in terror attacks against Israeli civilians and military personnel.

The statement further noted, "The IDF will not permit Hezbollah to rearm or restore its capabilities."

In recent years, Israel has undertaken numerous airstrikes in Syria, focusing on what it describes as weapons depots, transportation vehicles, and facilities associated with Iran and allied factions such as Hezbollah. These operations have faced criticism from the international community.

On Thursday, Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem declared that his group will persist in supporting the Syrian government amid escalating rebel offensives.

Qassem accused the US and Israel of exacerbating aggression in Syria as part of a broader reaction to their "failures in Gaza."

He asserted that terrorist groups were attempting to shift Syria's alliances from supporting regional resistance movements to aligning with Israeli interests.