Israel Says Major Cities Are in Hezbollah's Range

Rockets seized by Israeli authorities on a ship near Cyprus, are presented in the port of the...

Rockets seized by Israeli authorities on a ship near Cyprus, are presented in the port of the Israeli city of Ashdod, Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2009. Israeli commandos seized a ship Wednesday that defense officials said was carrying hundreds of tons of weapons from Iran bound for Lebanon's Hezbollah guerrillas, the largest arms shipment Israel has ever commandeered.(AP Photo/Tsafrir Abayov )

(AP)

The Lebanese militant group Hezbollah has significantly expanded its ability to strike deep into Israel with rockets that can now reach the Jewish state's largest cities, and now possesses tens of thousands of projectiles, Israel's army chief said Tuesday.

The remarks by Maj. Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi were the first official assessment of the guerrilla group's capabilities since Israel seized a ship last week carrying weapons allegedly destined for Hezbollah.

Ashkenazi indicated that the arms bust had little effect in stopping what Israel says has been a massive arms buildup by the Iranian-backed militia since the sides fought a bitter monthlong war in 2006.

An official said that Ashkenazi told lawmakers Tuesday that some of the rockets can fly up to 200 miles (325 kilometers). That would put Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, as well as Israel's nuclear reactor in the southern desert, within rocket range.

Alternatively, the official said, Hezbollah could pound Israeli towns and cities closer to the border from positions north of the Litani River, outside the area of south Lebanon policed by U.N. peacekeepers.

Ashkenazi was briefing the Israeli parliament's influential Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the meeting was closed.

A lawmaker present at the briefing said Ashkenazi told legislators Israel would hold the Lebanese government responsible for any attacks by Hezbollah. "Everything that happens in Lebanese territory is the responsibility of the Lebanese government," she quoted him as saying.

There was no immediate reaction from Hezbollah. But its leader, Sheik Hassan Nasrallah, has bragged recently that the group can now strike any Israeli city.

After months of wrangling, Lebanon's prime minister formed a Cabinet Monday that includes Hezbollah ministers. Some observers suggest the arrangement could give Hezbollah virtual veto power over government decisions.