A fuel storage depot burns out of control at Beirut's international airport after it was bombed by Islraeli jets in the night on Friday, July 14, 2006. (File/UPI Photo/Oussama Ayoub) | License Photo

LEB2001052203 - 22 MAY 2001 - SHEBA, LEBANON: A Hezbollah solder is shown posted at a position in the hills of Sheba, Lebanon. . mk/mk/Mahmoud Tawil UPI | License Photo

BEIRUT, Lebanon, Oct. 20 (UPI) -- The militant group Hezbollah said it expects Israel to attack Lebanon and is prepared for a possible war.

The Daily Star in Beirut reported the Lebanese daily newspaper al-Joumhouria cited unidentified security sources saying Israel is planning for a third war against Lebanon amid regional unrest.


"Israel's military is preparing for a sudden war to protect Israel from Hezbollah's missiles, which threaten the heart of Israel and its vital institutions," the newspaper quoted a source as saying.

Al-Joumhouria reported sources said Hezbollah is in a "state of alert" and anticipating an Israeli attack on Lebanon "at any moment."

Sources close to Hezbollah said it has received missiles, including thousands of rockets, advanced anti-aircraft weapons, long-range missiles as well as land-to-air and sea missiles.

The group said it has advanced anti-aircraft missiles and military capabilities to deter the Israeli air force.

The Daily Star reported this year Israel has been increasing its military capabilities since the end of the 34-day Israel-Hezbollah War in 2006.

And the Star cited Israel's Haaretz newspaper as reporting in April that U.S. Embassy cables from 2009, released by WikiLeaks, said Israel expected the next war to last two months and that Hezbollah would likely fire 24,000 to 36,000 missiles, 6,000 of them aimed at Tel Aviv.