Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar warned U.S. senators about heightened Iranian efforts to fund Hezbollah through Turkey, aiming to restore the group’s military capabilities post-conflict. He expressed concerns about Iran’s nuclear agenda and the implications of the Houthis’ actions, calling for international cooperation against such threats.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar informed a bipartisan group of U.S. senators about intensified Iranian efforts to funnel money to Hezbollah, aimed at rehabilitating the group after its recent conflict with Israel. Sa’ar highlighted the cooperation between Turkey and Iran in smuggling funds into Lebanon, thereby restoring Hezbollah’s military capabilities. Furthermore, he expressed concerns about developments in Iran’s nuclear ambitions as they seek to regain regional influence.
Sa’ar also mentioned that Iran is reportedly using international flights for money transfers to Hezbollah. He quoted Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman Avichay Adraee, who accused Iran and Hezbollah of financial smuggling through these flights. The IDF has alerted ceasefire monitors about these activities, estimating that some smuggling attempts may have been successful despite ongoing efforts.
In recent months, Israel has been actively blocking Iranian flights to Lebanon to prevent Hezbollah from rearming. During his discussion with U.S. senators, Sa’ar warned that Hezbollah’s resurgence would prevent Lebanon from achieving a stable future and undermine the Lebanese military. He emphasized the necessity of stopping this process to secure peace.
He also reaffirmed his stance against establishing a Palestinian state, which he believes would pose a threat to Israel’s security. Sa’ar stated that the absence of foreign armed forces west of the Jordan River is crucial for Israeli safety.
On the topic of Houthis from Yemen, Sa’ar described their actions as a threat not only to regional stability but also to global trade and navigation. Since November 2023, Houthi attacks on maritime vessels have intensified, coinciding with the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war, revealing the group’s broader jihadist agenda. Sa’ar called for an international effort to effectively counter this threat.
The discussions highlighted serious concerns about Iranian influence in Lebanon, particularly regarding Hezbollah’s funding and rearming efforts via Turkey. Sa’ar’s strong opposition to a Palestinian state underscores ongoing security concerns for Israel. Furthermore, the Houthi threat underscores the need for a global coalition to address regional instability and safeguard international trade.
Original Source: allisrael.com
