Suspected Israeli spy escaped Hezbollah detention, sought refuge in Ukrainian embassy before ‘disappearing’: AP

BEIRUT — A man accused by Lebanese authorities of involvement in an alleged Israeli intelligence network escaped from Hezbollah detention during Israeli airstrikes on Beirut's southern suburbs in March and later sought refuge at the Ukrainian Embassy in Baabda before disappearing, according to an investigation published by the Associated Press (AP) Wednesday.

Citing Lebanese judicial, security and political officials, AP reported that Khaled al-Aydi, a Palestinian refugee from Syria who also holds Ukrainian citizenship, had been detained by Hezbollah and accused of participating in a foiled Israeli intelligence operation allegedly aimed at carrying out bombings and assassinations in Lebanon.

Aydi escaped in March amid Israeli strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs and made his way to the Ukrainian Embassy in Baabda. A Lebanese government document obtained by AP reportedly showed that the embassy later asked Lebanese authorities to facilitate his departure from Lebanon. Lebanon's General Security agency refused the request, citing an arrest warrant issued against him in September 2025.

Aydi's current whereabouts remain unknown. A Ukrainian official quoted denied that he is currently inside the embassy compound but declined to comment on whether he had previously sought refuge there or whether Ukrainian authorities had assisted him.

Lebanese authorities announced in October, in an official statement, that they had dismantled a network allegedly planning bombings and assassinations, including operations targeting events marking the first anniversary of the killing of former Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah. Security officials said investigators discovered a motorcycle and a vehicle allegedly modified to carry explosives.

Aydi and six Lebanese suspects were subsequently charged, according to AP. One of the other suspects also escaped, while the remaining defendants are being held in Lebanon awaiting trial. The military court alleges that the operation was directed by a Mossad handler based in Germany who communicated with suspects through encrypted applications, and a court summons sent to the Ukrainian Embassy went unanswered.

Aydi’s escape could potentially increase tensions between the Lebanese state and Hezbollah. The Lebanese government, backed by the United States and other international powers, has engaged in direct diplomatic negotiations and conditional cease-fires with Israel. Hezbollah strongly rejects these state-led talks, viewing them as treason and an existential threat to its military independence.

For its part, the Lebanese Armed Forces and its Intelligence Directorate regularly issue public statements announcing the arrest of individuals suspected of espionage for Israel.