Israel: Iranian Government Sends Financial Aid to Hezbollah

Israel has accused the Iranian government of sending financial aid to Hezbollah in Lebanon via Beirut airport and has officially complained to the U.S.-led ceasefire monitoring committee. Israel claims that diplomats from the Islamic Republic and others are traveling to Lebanon carrying tens of millions of dollars in cash for Hezbollah to revitalize the group. According to a U.S. defense official speaking on behalf of the ceasefire monitoring committee and informed sources, Iranian agents travel from Tehran to Beirut International Airport with suitcases full of dollars. Israel also alleges that Turkish nationals are used to transfer money from Istanbul to Beirut by air. The U.S.-led ceasefire monitoring committee, which includes representatives from Israel, Lebanon, France, and the United Nations, does not adjudicate ceasefire violation claims but has forwarded complaints to the Lebanese government. Some officials from this committee have stated they are aware of the Iranian government's use of Beirut airport for financial resource smuggling, and some consider these claims credible. Turkish officials deny the allegations, stating that large cash transfers would be identified by authorities and that the possibility of such financial resources being transferred from Istanbul airport is unlikely. Turkey claims it is unaware of such reports and that no official or committee has contacted the country regarding this matter. Israel has committed to preventing the revitalization of Hezbollah in Lebanon and has stated it will attack if Beirut airport is used for financial resource smuggling. According to an informed source, Hezbollah is not facing a financial crisis and is assisting its members. The group pays an annual rent of between $12,000 to $14,000 for severely damaged homes and has also paid additional amounts for furniture and appliances. In the past, the Iranian government sent money and weapons to Hezbollah through Syria, but following recent developments in Syria, this communication line is no longer available to Tehran. Israeli officials claim that the Iranian government has previously used Beirut airport for smuggling cash and gold. Lebanese officials have emphasized that under the ceasefire agreement, this airport is under strict control of the Lebanese army to prevent the smuggling of money and weapons to Hezbollah. A senior Lebanese security official stated that while smuggling large amounts of cash through the airport is difficult, valuable items like jewelry and precious stones such as diamonds might go undetected by authorities. Israeli airstrikes on Hezbollah positions in the Bekaa Valley of Lebanon continue. Netanyahu's spokesperson stated that Israel will act against the Islamic Republic without U.S. approval if necessary. Israel claims the Islamic Republic supports terror infrastructures in Jenin. Hezbollah has handed over the underground missile facility 'Imad 4' to the Lebanese army. The Times reports that a commander of the Lebanese army has disclosed military secrets to Hezbollah.