The only way for Israel to defeat Hezbollah is via a ground offensive, according to a senior source in the Israel Defense Forces. The assessment comes in light of the terror organization’s ever-widening power base across southern Lebanon and further north.

Hezbollah is probably the world’s largest, most sophisticated, wealthiest and most militarily capable terror organization. Created, trained, funded and deployed as a proxy of the Iranian government, with operations spanning Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas, the Shi’ite group has effectively taken over the Lebanese government, launched thousands of rockets at Israeli civilians, and murdered more Americans than anyone other than al-Qaeda—all of these making it into perhaps the most fearsome weapon in the jihadist anti-Western arsenal.

Only last week it is understood Syria delivered medium-range missiles and other advanced weapons to Hezbollah.

Hezbollah’s arsenal is difficult to assess, with estimates ranging from 60,000–100,000 rockets and missiles, making it one of the most formidable military powers in the Middle East.

Even though Hezbollah is fighting alongside Iranian soldiers on behalf of Bashar al-Assad in Syria, the paramilitary maintains a strong presence at home, backed by its increasing political power.

For an in-depth look at how Hezbollah has become re-energized in its war against Israel, read Don’t Be Fooled. Hezbollah is Bigger and Badder than Ever by Shai Oseran and Stéphane Cohen in the March, 2014 edition of The Tower Magazine.