Israeli army chief says Hezbollah rockets can hit deep into Israel, reach major cities

By STEVE WEIZMAN , Associated Press

Last update: November 10, 2009 - 5:22 AM

JERUSALEM - Israel's army chief says Hezbollah guerrillas now possess tens of thousands of rockets, some capable of reaching the country's major cities.

Officials say Maj. Gen. Gabi 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 secretive nuclear reactor in the southern desert, into rocket range.

Last week, Israel seized a ship that it says was carrying hundreds of tons of weapons to the Lebanese guerrilla group. Israel and Hezbollah fought a bitter, monthlong war in 2006.

Ashkenazi delivered his assessment to a parliamentary hearing. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because the meeting was closed.

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