Israel's navy claims it has intercepted a container ship carrying rockets destined for Lebanon's Iranian-backed Hezbollah group. Skip related content
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Israelis claim to seize Iran arms ship
According to officials, the Antiguan-flagged vessel, Francop, was boarded 100-miles off the Israeli coast and has been towed to the port of Ashdod.
Israeli media reports allege the weaponry was supplied by Iran. "There were Katyusha (rockets), whose purpose is to hit civilians," Deputy Defence Minister Matan Vilnai told Army Radio.
He did not give any quantities, saying the ship was still being unloaded in Israel and voicing doubt its crew knew munitions were on aboard.
Asked if the weaponry had been earmarked for Hezbollah, Vilnai said: "Yes. It strengthens (the group) and improves its long-range firing capability into Israel."
Hezbollah launched more than 4,000 rockets into Israel during a 2006 war and Israeli officials have said the group has rearmed since the 34-day conflict.
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