Lebanese customs seized $2.5 million intended for Hezbollah from a traveler from Turkey. This action followed Lebanon’s ban on two Iranian airlines accused of smuggling funds. The political landscape in Lebanon is shifting, with recent elections signaling a potential reduction in Hezbollah’s influence as the new government adopts a more restrictive stance on arms and armed resistance.
Lebanese customs officials confiscated $2.5 million in cash at Beirut Rafic Hariri Airport from a traveler arriving from Turkey. The authorities detained the passenger, who had concealed the cash, and referred them to the Directorate of General Security for further investigation under the supervision of the public prosecutor’s office. Although the Finance Ministry did not explicitly mention Hezbollah, multiple sources confirmed the funds were intended for the group.
Earlier this month, Lebanon restricted flights from two Iranian airlines, Mahan Air and Iran Air, due to allegations from the Israeli military that Iran was using these routes to transfer funds to Hezbollah. This move provoked protests from Hezbollah supporters along a main road to the airport, which escalated until the Lebanese government dispatched the army, who used tear gas to disperse crowds and arrested over 25 demonstrators.
Mahan Air faces sanctions from the US and EU for its alleged connections to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and for supposedly supporting Iranian proxy groups in the region. Following the decline of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria and subsequent airspace closure, Iran has sought new methods to fund Hezbollah.
A US defense official noted that Israel has raised concerns to Washington regarding Iran utilizing Turkish citizens for money smuggling operations into Beirut. Established in 1982, Hezbollah has shifted from a militia meant to combat Israeli occupation to a significant political faction in Lebanon, but has suffered substantial leadership losses due to recent conflicts with Israel, particularly from October 8, 2023, onwards.
The recent election of Joseph Aoun, viewed favorably by Western allies, is perceived as a setback for Hezbollah and Iran’s power in Lebanon. Upon taking office, Aoun pledged to reassert the government’s control over arms, a commitment met with approval by Hezbollah’s political adversaries. Additionally, the newly formed cabinet of Prime Minister Nawaf Salam was recently validated by parliament, notably omitting “armed resistance” from its ministerial statement, marking a significant shift in government policy.
In summary, a significant cash seizure at Beirut’s airport highlights ongoing tensions regarding Hezbollah’s financing. The actions taken against Iranian airlines and the recent political shifts in Lebanon suggest a tightening grip on Hezbollah’s influence. Continued scrutiny from both local and international authorities underlines the complex dynamics intertwined with Lebanon’s internal and regional issues.
Original Source: www.al-monitor.com
