Israeli officials say Hezbollah has Scud missiles; president accuses Syria of providing arms

Israeli officials say Syria gives Hezbollah Scuds

JERUSALEM — Israeli defense officials say they believe Hezbollah has acquired Scud missiles from Syria that might be able to hit all of Israel.

The assessment came a day after Israel’s president accused Syria of supplying the Lebanese guerrillas with the weapons for the first time. Israeli officials say the development would change the strategic balance in the region.

Some Scud missiles have a range of hundreds of miles (kilometers) and could reach any target in Israel.

The defense officials said there has been heightened tension on Israel’s border with Lebanon recently against the background of news reports that Hezbollah was trying to get Scud missiles.

They spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue.