JERUSALEM - Israel has imposed penalties on Lebanese companies in response to Hezbollah's missile programme. Three Lebanese companies were sanctioned by Israel on Sunday for allegedly supplying components to Hezbollah's efforts to construct precision missiles in Lebanon.

According to his office, Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz signed an administrative order seizing the assets of three Lebanese companies, Toufali, Moubayed, and Barakat. According to the statement, these companies specialise in creating equipment, oils, and ventilation systems for Hezbollah's production lines, including the precision missiles project.

The decision has no immediate consequences, but it will allow the international banking system to place the companies on a blacklist, according to the office, which also stated that the decree "would make it very impossible for (the companies) to continue operating."

The order is part of the defence minister's efforts to put more financial pressure on Lebanon's precision missile project. Israel and Hezbollah, two sworn adversaries, last fought a full-fledged war in 2006, largely on Lebanese soil.

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