Lebanese authorities apprehended a man at Beirut’s airport on Friday, allegedly carrying $2.5 million in cash intended for Hezbollah. An expert described the seizure as “unprecedented.”

Lebanon’s finance ministry stated that the individual and the confiscated funds would be handed over to the General Directorate of General Security’s investigation division. Sources cited by indicated the man had arrived from Turkey.

Danny Danon, Israel’s ambassador to the U.N., stated that this incident suggests Hezbollah, allegedly funded by Iran, continues to rebuild its resources. He added that Israel would defend itself against any perceived threat from the north and sees this as another attempt by Tehran to destabilize the Middle East.

David Daoud, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, echoed that the $2.5 million seizure was unprecedented.

 

Daoud further stated that this incident, with money originating from Turkey, aligns with Israeli claims that Iran uses Turkey as a conduit to funnel funds to Hezbollah.

He also raised the question of how many other cash transfers might be evading detection.

Reuters sources reported that the seized money was destined for Hezbollah, which has reportedly been weakened recently.

 

Hezbollah did not immediately comment on the matter on Friday.

Since the start of Israel’s conflict with Hamas, the Israel Defense Forces engaged in skirmishes along the Lebanese border, including ground operations, until a ceasefire was established late last year.

Former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed in Lebanon by an Israeli airstrike in September.

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