An Israeli official said on Sunday that Hezbollah is regaining strength and rebuilding its arsenal, warning that Israel could strike Beirut’s southern suburb again if the group refuses to disarm.

Speaking to Al Arabiya and Al Hadath, the official said Israeli intelligence assessments suggest that Hezbollah has “begun to restore its capabilities” and has successfully smuggled “hundreds of short-range rockets” from Syria into Lebanon in recent weeks.

He said Israel has conveyed a clear message to the Lebanese authorities, cautioning that any continued buildup by Hezbollah would be met with a military response.

“Israel could strike the southern suburb of Beirut again if Hezbollah’s weapons are not dismantled,” the official warned, referring to the group’s stronghold in the capital.

The official also vowed that Israel “will not allow the reconstruction of the direct line of Lebanese villages along the northern border,” a reference to Hezbollah’s fortified network of positions and tunnels near the frontier that were heavily targeted during last year’s conflict.

He added that Egypt has stepped in as a mediator in an effort to prevent a further escalation on the Lebanese front.

According to the official, Israeli forces have no plans to withdraw “in the foreseeable future” from the five areas they currently control in southern Lebanon, captured during the fighting.