Israel Sanctions Lebanese Companies Over Hizbullah Missile Production Support

Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz announced on Sunday that he had signed an administrative order to seize the assets of three Lebanese companies – Toufali, Moubayed and Barakat – that allegedly supplied materials to Lebanon’s Hizbullah group for the manufacture of precision missiles. Gantz’s office said in a statement that the companies produce machines, oils and ventilation systems required for Hizbullah’s production lines. It’s not clear what, if any, direct effects Israeli sanctions could have on Lebanese companies. But the order allows the international financial system to blacklist the companies, and, according to Gantz’s office, “will make it very difficult for them to continue operating.” Hizbullah fought a war against Israel in 2006, during which it fired around 4,000 to 4,200 rockets into northern Israel at a rate of about 120 rockets per day. An estimated 23% hit cities and built-up areas, killing 46 civilians and injuring 1,384. It has been estimated that in a future war, the Lebanese militia could fire around 1,000 to 3,000 rockets and missiles per day, many of which could be far more precise and lethal.