Iran, Turkey aiding Hezbollah’s revival? Israeli foreign minister makes bold claim

Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar on Tuesday (February 18) claimed that Iran is making significant efforts to reestablish Hezbollah by providing financial aid. Sa’ar further alleged that Iran is collaborating with Turkey in this endeavor. Meanwhile, Israel stated that if Lebanon adheres to the ceasefire agreement, the Israeli army would not need to maintain its presence on five key strategic hills in southern Lebanon.

Iran’s alleged role in funding Hezbollah

According to media reports, the Israeli military alleged last Thursday that Iran’s Quds Force and Hezbollah have been misusing civilian flights at Beirut Airport in recent weeks. This, they claim, is part of a larger scheme to smuggle financial aid to Hezbollah and facilitate attacks against Israel.

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson for Arabic media, Avichay Adraee, posted on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “We are in constant contact with the ceasefire monitoring mechanism and regularly provide intelligence to thwart these supply efforts. However, despite our actions, we estimate that some funds have successfully been smuggled.”

Israel’s stance on security measures

Adraee also emphasized Israel’s firm position on preventing Hezbollah from acquiring weapons. He added that the Israeli military will use all available means to enforce ceasefire agreements and ensure the safety of Israeli citizens.

Following these warnings, Lebanon took immediate action by preventing two Iranian flights from landing at Beirut Airport. This decision triggered protests from Hezbollah supporters. Israel had previously threatened to bomb airport runways, further escalating tensions.

Iran denies allegations, calls it media propaganda

Earlier this month, Iran’s Foreign Ministry dismissed reports that Tehran was channeling funds to Hezbollah via Beirut Airport. The ministry labeled these claims as part of an “Israeli media campaign” aimed at disrupting Lebanon’s rebuilding efforts.

A report by The Wall Street Journal revealed that Israel had filed a complaint with the U.S.-led ceasefire committee, alleging that “Iranian diplomats and other operatives are smuggling millions of dollars in cash to revive Hezbollah.” The report also mentioned that Iranian agents were carrying U.S. dollars in suitcases from Tehran to Beirut, while Turkish nationals were allegedly involved in money smuggling from Istanbul to Beirut.

Lebanon’s security measures at Beirut airport

In response to these concerns, Lebanese authorities have reportedly tightened security at Beirut Airport to curb Hezbollah’s access to illicit funds. However, a Lebanese security official admitted that while strict measures have been enforced, valuable items such as gemstones and diamonds might still bypass inspections.