Judicial sources claim detainee allegedly supplied intelligence linked to strikes on senior Hezbollah commanders
BEIRUT: Lebanese authorities have arrested a man accused of acting as a high-level Israeli spy with close ties to Hezbollah, according to judicial sources cited by Agence France-Presse (AFP) and several Arab media outlets.
Officials alleged the suspect provided intelligence that was later used in Israeli operations targeting senior Hezbollah figures. The reported targets included Fuad Shukr, who was killed in an airstrike in Beirut in August 2024, and Ibrahim Aqil, head of Hezbollah’s Operations Division, who was killed in a separate Israeli strike in September 2024.
According to the judicial source, security forces arrested the suspect at Beirut’s international airport before he could board a flight to Iraq. Authorities claimed the individual had maintained close relationships with senior Hezbollah commanders, allowing him access to sensitive information.
Alleged intelligence network under investigation
Investigators alleged the suspect, originally from southern Lebanon, frequently travelled to Iraq, where his wife is from, before continuing to Turkey. Authorities claimed he met individuals linked to Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency during those trips and allegedly passed information gathered in Beirut regarding Hezbollah personnel and facilities.
Arab media identified the suspect as belonging to the Al Khalifa family, although authorities have not officially confirmed his identity.
A judicial source quoted by Asharq Al-Awsat described the detainee as one of the most significant espionage suspects arrested in recent years because of his alleged proximity to senior Hezbollah officials and his reported access to highly sensitive operational information.
Broader security crackdown continues
The arrest reportedly forms part of a wider Lebanese security campaign targeting suspected espionage activities. According to local media, authorities have detained dozens of individuals in recent months on allegations of collaborating with Israel.
Judicial sources previously told AFP that more than 30 suspects had been arrested since late 2024 over allegations of providing intelligence on Hezbollah facilities and members during the group’s conflict with Israel.
Lebanese authorities have not released further details about the investigation or announced formal charges against the suspect. Israeli officials have also not commented on the allegations. The investigation remains ongoing as security agencies continue examining the suspect’s alleged activities and possible links to broader intelligence networks.
