BEIRUT: Israel fears that Syria’s stockpiles of advanced missiles and weapons might fall into the hands of Hezbollah and other groups, Haaretz reported Tuesday, particularly after the collapse of President Bashar Assad’s government.

The Israeli daily newspaper quoted Israeli officials as saying that the growing threat to Assad’s government was raising concern that weapons from Syria’s military could become accessible to what they describe as terrorist groups.

“The weapons include advanced SA missiles, high-trajectory long-range rockets and missiles, and biological and chemical weapons, the officials said,” according to the paper.

It also quoted Defense Minister Ehud Barak during a conference last week as saying: “It is difficult to predict exactly what will happen in Syria. We're watching for attempts to pass advanced weapons systems that could edge the delicate balance in Lebanon to Hezbollah."

According to the report, incoming Israel Air Force chief Maj. Gen. Amir Eshel expressed concern last month over Syria’s alleged massive cache of chemical and biological weapons.

Eshel said that as far as Assad's fall is concerned, "the question is when, not if. And the big question is what will happen the following day."

"What has been passed on to Hezbollah so far? What will be passed on in the future? What will be divided between the two factions in Syria?" he asked.