The British newspaper The Times has reported that classified intelligence information was leaked to Hezbollah during the ceasefire in Lebanon, raising concerns over the stability of the current truce.
Intelligence Leak from Lebanese Military Officer
According to intelligence sources cited by The Times, Suhail Bahij Harb, the head of military intelligence in South Lebanon, allegedly provided Hezbollah with sensitive security information from within a U.S.-French-UNIFIL-controlled security operations room.
Reports indicate that this Lebanese army officer leaked critical intelligence to Hezbollah during the ongoing ceasefire agreement with the Israeli occupation, potentially endangering the fragile truce that brought an end to a year-long conflict.
The newspaper further claims that Harb is one of several Lebanese army officers who have provided Hezbollah with intelligence, including advanced warnings of Israeli airstrikes and patrol movements, allowing the group to relocate weapons and adjust their positions strategically.
Hezbollah’s Strategic Adaptation
An intelligence report cited by The Times states that Hezbollah utilizes inside knowledge of Lebanese military operations to conceal its movements from international security forces monitoring regional stability.
The report adds that these alleged intelligence leaks have raised questions about the Lebanese army’s ability to effectively control Southern Lebanon, a region where Hezbollah has long held political and military dominance.
Israeli Violations and Ongoing Occupation
The leaks come at a time when the Israeli occupation refuses to withdraw from Lebanese territory, despite the ceasefire agreement. On Sunday, January 26, 2025, Israel once again defied international law by continuing its military presence in areas it was supposed to evacuate.
Meanwhile, repeated Israeli breaches of the ceasefire and continued attacks on civilians in South Lebanon have led to the martyrdom of 22 people, including one soldier and six women, with 125 others injured, according to figures from the Lebanese Ministry of Health.
Israeli Intelligence’s Perspective
Israeli security sources have admitted that the Lebanese army has attempted to enforce ceasefire conditions, stating that it has seized some weapons caches in areas vacated by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). However, they claim that leaks from Harb and other officers enabled Hezbollah to maintain a presence and reposition its fighters near the border.
Lebanese Army Denies Allegations
In response, the Lebanese army issued a strongly worded statement rejecting the allegations, stating:
“The army leadership categorically denies these claims, especially at such a critical time when the Lebanese military is carrying out vital national security duties.”
As of now, the United Nations peacekeeping forces (UNIFIL) have not commented on the matter.
