Lebanese man arrested for alleged collaboration with Israel

BEIRUT — The Lebanese Army announced on Friday the arrest of a man for allegedly "communicating with agents of the Israeli intelligence service."

According to the army's statement, the suspect, identified as H.A., was deceived by his recruiters, who posed as members of "an international organization." He is accused of "providing his recruiters with security information, then became involved in espionage activities by traveling to the occupied Palestinian territories, where he met his recruiters and received sums of money from them," the statement added.

The suspect has been referred to the competent court for further proceedings.

Lebanon and Israel are officially in a state of war, and Lebanese law strictly prohibits any contact with Israeli authorities. Such actions are considered crimes, punishable by imprisonment. Over the years, numerous individuals have been arrested for alleged collaboration with Israel, with sentences reaching up to 25 years in prison.

Since Lebanon's economic collapse began in 2019, security forces have apprehended 185 individuals suspected of collaborating with Israel, according to announcements made by the Lebanese authorities by the end of 2022.