Israel expressed fears that Syria’s chemical weapons stockpile could fall into the hands of Hezbollah

Israel expressed fears that Syria’s chemical weapons stockpile could fall into the hands of Hezbollah especially that Israel alleges that Syria has one of the most extensive chemical weapon arsenals in the world, reportedly including sarin, VX and mustard gas, the Jerusalem Post reported Tuesday.

“The same could also potentially happen with chemical weapons,” a senior defense official told the Israeli daily.

The concern partially stems from Western intelligence indicating that advanced weaponry has already been moved out of Syria by Hezbollah.

The Post added that the concern over the stability of “Syria’s chemical arsenal comes at a time when only about 60 percent of Israelis are in possession of gas masks. The Israeli military is currently lacking NIS 1.2 billion to complete the production and distribution of gas masks to the rest of the public.”