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Lebanese authorities announced on Friday the dismantling of a network operating on behalf of Israel that was preparing to carry out “terrorist acts” and the arrest of several of its members.
In a statement, the General Security Directorate said that “as part of efforts to combat espionage networks, the General Security has succeeded in dismantling a network working for the Israeli enemy."
"The group was in the process of planning terrorist acts, including bombings and assassinations inside Lebanon,” he added.
The statement noted that “some members of the network have been arrested, and as a result of the investigations, one of the detainees confessed that the group was responsible for previous assassinations targeting officials from the Islamic Group.”
It added that “the General Security conducted precise security and technical tracking operations, which led to raids in several areas across Lebanon.
In one of these operations, a unit from the Lebanese Army and the Directorate of Intelligence took part, resulting in the seizure of several vehicles and pieces of equipment used in the activities,” without specifying the exact location of the operation.
The statement also indicated that “a number of those involved were arrested, including a Lebanese national holding Brazilian citizenship, a Palestinian, and two other Lebanese nationals.”
According to the Lebanese General Security’s statement, “details and circumstances of the case will be announced once the ongoing investigations are completed.”
The “Islamic Group” in Lebanon was founded in 1964 by Sheikhs Faisal Mawlawi and Fathi Yakan and is considered one of the political movements affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood.
Through its military wing, “Al-Fajr Forces,” the group played an active role in the “Support for Gaza” battle against the Israeli army, which began on Oct. 8, 2023, along Lebanon’s southern border.
In recent months, Lebanese authorities have arrested at least 32 people on suspicion of providing Israel with detailed information about Hezbollah sites and the movements of its members during the country’s recent war, a judicial source told Agence France-Presse (AFP) on Thursday.
The source, who is closely following the investigations and requested anonymity, said: “At least 32 people have been arrested on suspicion of collaborating with Israel—six of them before the ceasefire took effect on Nov. 27.”
The source added that “the military court has issued rulings in nine cases, while 23 others are still under review,” noting that the sentences ranged from six months to eight years in prison.
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