Israeli officials said at the United Nations that Hezbollah is a military force armed by the Iranian and Syrian governments as a way to destabilize the Middle East.

Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak, said," Hezbollah is an army that is armed by Iran and Syria. It has more than 40,000 missiles aimed at Israel's civilians and these are weapons of terror."

Israel's Haaretz newspaper had reported that Barak made his comments in New York while visiting with U. N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

Barak was at the United Nations to discuss the Iranian nuclear issue, ongoing turmoil in the Gaza Strip and simmering relations with Lebanon.

Tensions between Israel and Lebanon are escalating over border issues. Israel and Hezbollah fought a bruising 34-day war in 2006. U. N. Resolution 1701, which helped broker a cease-fire, calls on Hezbollah to lay down its weapons while reminding Israel of its obligation to respect Lebanese sovereignty.

Barak further said," Israel demands that Lebanon implement U. N. Resolution 1701." (With Input from Agencies)