Former Prime Minister Najib Mikati received by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara, February 2022. (Credit: AFP archive photo)
Is Turkey rescuing Hezbollah? This is what was insinuated by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar’s Feb. 18 statement before an official American delegation. He spoke of “intensified Iranian efforts” to channel funds to Hezbollah, mainly “via Turkey and with its cooperation.”This allegation may seem absurd, especially since Ankara and Tehran often find themselves on opposite sides, particularly in Syria, where Turkey, alongside Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) has worked to drive out the Iranians and Hezbollah.However, about 10 days ago, authorities at Beirut’s international airport seized $2.5 million in cash, evidently destined for Hezbollah, transported by a passenger coming from Turkey. Although the passenger was immediately arrested and the case handed over to the judiciary, the incident raised questions about potential laxity — or even...
Is Turkey rescuing Hezbollah? This is what was insinuated by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar’s Feb. 18 statement before an official American delegation. He spoke of “intensified Iranian efforts” to channel funds to Hezbollah, mainly “via Turkey and with its cooperation.”This allegation may seem absurd, especially since Ankara and Tehran often find themselves on opposite sides, particularly in Syria, where Turkey, alongside Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) has worked to drive out the Iranians and Hezbollah.However, about 10 days ago, authorities at Beirut’s international airport seized $2.5 million in cash, evidently destined for Hezbollah, transported by a passenger coming from Turkey. Although the passenger was immediately arrested and the case handed over to the judiciary, the incident raised questions about potential...