US Intelligence now regards Hizballah as a direct military threat in any future engagement, DUH

Sometimes 'intelligence' lags behind common sense and the shockingly obvious...Mr. Gertz is responsible for this report

WASHINGTON — The U.S. intelligence community regards Hizbullah as a major threat following its war with Israel in 2006.

The intelligence community has assessed that Hizbullah would be Iran's key military proxy in any war against the United States. Hizbullah could be used against U.S. targets in Iraq, Lebanon and throughout the Middle East.

Funny how they still miss TARGETS IN THE USA, I mean, no one would be crazy enough to attack us here, would they? Unimaginable, right?

"As a result of last summer's hostilities, Hizbullah's self-confidence and hostility toward the United States as a supporter of Israel could cause the group to increase its contingency planning against United States interests," said U.S. National Intelligence Director John Negroponte.

In testimony before the Senate Select Intelligence Committee on Jan. 11, Negroponte said Hizbullah's war against Israel has increased the confidence of the Shi'ite militia. Syria has also "grown more confident about its regional policies, largely due to what it sees as vindication of its support to Hizbullah and Hamas and its perceptions of its success in overcoming international attempts to isolate the regime," he said.

In contrast to assessments by Israel's military, the U.S. intelligence community has determined that Hizbullah's military capabilities were not diminished following the 34-day with Israel. Hizbullah has returned to its pre-war military strength and was not deterred by the Jewish state.

"Hizbullah's leadership remains unscathed and probably has already replenished its weapons stockpiles with Iranian and Syrian assistance," Defense Intelligence Agency Director Michael Maples said.

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