Israel Hezbollah chief: Have tens of thousands of fighters and many weapons

The leader of the Lebanese Hezbollah, Naim Kassim, has emphasized the fighting power of his militia and issued new threats against Israel. "We have tens of thousands of fighters. Of course they are now on the border," Kassim said in a televised speech.

"And we have weapons that will supply us for a long time." He threatened: "The days will come when rockets will rain down on Israel." The militia would not accept defeat.

The militia, which is allied with Iran, has been firing at Israel since the beginning of the Gaza war more than a year ago. Israel has responded with massive air strikes and now also a ground offensive.

According to current US estimates, Hezbollah has up to 50,000 armed fighters, including full-time fighters and reservists. Kassim's predecessor Hassan Nasrallah had declared in previous years that the militia had 100,000 trained fighters.

In recent weeks, Israel has killed a number of high-ranking Hezbollah commanders, including its leader Nasrallah. According to official figures, more than 3,000 people have been killed and more than 13,000 injured in Lebanon since the start of the war. However, the Ministry of Health does not differentiate between civilians and Hezbollah fighters in these figures.

It is unclear where Kassim is. His most recent speech was apparently pre-recorded.

SDA