Lebanon Confiscates $2.5 Million Linked to Hezbollah at Beirut Airport

Lebanese customs seized $2.5 million in cash at Beirut airport from a passenger arriving from Turkey, allegedly intended for Hezbollah. The case follows Lebanon’s recent ban of two Iranian airlines accused of smuggling funds to Hezbollah. Political shifts, including the new Lebanese cabinet’s omission of Hezbollah’s armed resistance, indicate rising challenges for the group amid evolving regional circumstances.

On Friday, Lebanese authorities confiscated $2.5 million in cash at Beirut Rafic Hariri Airport from a passenger arriving from Turkey. The Finance Ministry reported that the individual, who concealed the cash, has been detained by the Lebanese Customs Directorate and will be subject to investigation as directed by the public prosecutor’s office. Although Hezbollah was not explicitly mentioned in the ministry’s statement, three sources revealed to Reuters that the funds were intended for the organization.

Previously, Lebanon had restricted flights from two Iranian airlines, Mahan Air and Iran Air, following allegations from the Israeli military concerning the smuggling of funds to Hezbollah by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps through these airlines to Beirut. The backlash against this decision resulted in protests from Hezbollah supporters along the main road to the airport, leading to a heavy police presence, tear gas use, and the arrest of over 25 demonstrators.

The Tehran-based Mahan Air faces US and EU sanctions linked to its associations with the IRGC and accusations of providing support to Iranian proxy groups like Hezbollah. Following the geopolitical developments in Syria, especially after the closure of airspace to Iranian flights, Iran has reportedly sought alternative channels for financial support to Hezbollah, with recent allegations mentioning the use of Turkish citizens to facilitate cash transfers to Beirut.

Hezbollah has transitioned from a small militia, formed in 1982 to resist Israeli occupation, to a significant political force within Lebanon. The group has experienced severe losses in its latest conflict with Israel, which escalated into full-scale war in September 2024, leading to considerable upheaval within its leadership. A ceasefire brokered by the US concluded hostilities in November 2024, while the election of Joseph Aoun, a Western-backed candidate, as president in January further challenged Hezbollah’s influence.

The new Lebanese cabinet, appointed by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and approved by the parliament, marked a notable shift by omitting references to “armed resistance” in its ministerial statement, a term traditionally recognizing Hezbollah’s presence. This change reflects evolving political dynamics and growing pressure for the Lebanese state to assert its authority over armed groups within its borders.

In summary, the seizure of $2.5 million intended for Hezbollah at Beirut airport underscores ongoing tensions surrounding the group’s financing and the influence of Iran in Lebanon. The recent political shifts, including leadership changes and government actions against Iranian airlines, contribute to a reshaping of Lebanon’s political landscape and Hezbollah’s role within it. This development reflects broader regional dynamics and the complexities of Lebanon’s internal politics.

Original Source: www.al-monitor.com