Israeli soldiers react after taking cover near the Israel-Lebanon border following a Hezbollah drone attack that hit the northern border on May 19, 2026. (Credit: Jalaa Marey/AFP)
BEIRUT — At least three Hezbollah operatives captured in recent fighting were reportedly treated at Ziv Medical Center in Safed under Israeli military guard, according to sources cited by The Times of Israel.
The report, published Thursday, said the detainees received medical treatment at the hospital around two weeks ago and were kept in a guarded room, handcuffed and blindfolded, according to the sources. The Israeli army and Ziv Medical Center did not directly deny the account.
In a response to The Times of Israel, the Israeli army said it had arrested individuals over the past year suspected of involvement in attacks against Israeli civilians or soldiers. It said detainees who require medical attention receive care from military medical personnel or are transferred to hospitals when medically necessary.
“Throughout the period of detention, medical supervision is provided as needed and in accordance with legal obligations, and regular medical examinations are conducted,” the army said. It added that detainees requiring treatment receive care from certified Israeli army medical personnel and, in some cases, are transferred to hospitals.
The military also said that “24/7 security and oversight mechanisms” are in place in such cases to ensure detainees do not pose a threat to civilians or medical staff.
Ziv Medical Center declined to confirm details about specific patients, citing medical confidentiality, privacy and security considerations. However, the hospital did not deny that such detainees had been treated there.
“The hospital provides medical care to any person brought to it when their medical condition requires it, regardless of their identity, religion, nationality, or the circumstances of their injury,” Ziv said in a statement.
The hospital added that it operates according to Israeli law, government directives and medical ethics. It declined to comment on whether staff had raised objections to treating Hezbollah members, whether nearby patients had been informed, or whether there had been requests to transfer the detainees to military medical facilities.
Questions about whether civilian medical workers are required to treat enemy fighters were referred by both the army and the hospital to Israel’s health ministry, which had not responded by the time of publication, according to The Times of Israel.
Tens of Lebanese men — including young fathers, a shepherd, a medic, and fishermen — along with Hezbollah fighters were captured by Israeli forces inside Lebanese territory and remain imprisoned.
