Hezbollah seen strengthening in Lebanon

TEL AVIV, Israel, May 4 (UPI) -- The Hezbollah militant group has been growing in power by stockpiling more dangerous weapons in Lebanon, Israeli officials say.

Israeli officials alleged that through the smuggling efforts of Iran and Syria, Hezbollah has rearmed itself in Lebanon and is now prepared to use its weaponry against Israel, the Los Angeles Times reported Sunday.

Iran and Syria, along with Hezbollah officials, have denied involvement in arms smuggling, but have offered no information as how the militant group has stockpiled the weapons cache.

Hezbollah fired thousands of rockets into Israel during the two sides' 34-day war in 2006 and the psychological impact of those attacks reportedly has Israel tensing for a similar assault in the future.

The Times said that tension has been intensified by the bombing death of Hezbollah chief Imad Mughniyah in February. Hezbollah blamed Mughniyah's death on Israel and vowed to retaliate for his death, the U.S. newspaper said.