Israeli commandos reportedly captured a senior Hezbollah naval operative, Emad Fadel Amhaz, in a daring overnight operation on the northern coast of Lebanon. According to Arab media, over 25 Israeli forces landed in the coastal city of Batroun, approximately 87 miles north of the Israeli border, and seized Amhaz from a cabin near the beach. This clandestine raid, widely reported on Saturday, has raised diplomatic concerns in Lebanon and stirred controversy over whether it was coordinated with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), a claim that the peacekeeping force vehemently denies.
Lebanese media sources and pro-Hezbollah journalist Hassan Illaik, who shared footage allegedly showing the Israeli soldiers and their captured target, said the forces made their landing in Batroun and took Amhaz back to their boats. Illaik posted on X, formerly Twitter, "A large group of Israeli troops made a landing and captured him before departing on speedboats." The footage he shared shows soldiers walking down a street, with two appearing to escort a detainee.
The captured Hezbollah official, Amhaz, is reported by Al-Hadath to be linked to Hezbollah's naval operations and may hold a position within the Lebanese Navy, adding a strategic layer to the capture. Amhaz's arrest has fueled speculation that Israel aims to gain intelligence on Hezbollah's naval activities, an area of concern amid escalating regional tensions.
The alleged coordination between the Israeli and German naval forces under UNIFIL remains contentious. Lebanese journalist Hasan Illaik, citing anonymous military sources, suggested that German forces within UNIFIL were involved to prevent Lebanese military interference. Lebanese Transport Minister Ali Hamieh, a Hezbollah representative in the government, initially dismissed reports of an international operation, calling them "internal disruptions." However, after video evidence surfaced, Hamieh acknowledged the operation and described the captured figure as "a captain of civilian and commercial ships," confirming the incident but questioning UNIFIL's role.
UNIFIL, however, has strongly denied any involvement. UNIFIL's deputy spokesperson, Kandice Ardiel, speaking to Saudi news channel Asharq, categorically refuted the claims, stating, "UNIFIL has no involvement in facilitating any kidnapping or any other violation of Lebanese sovereignty." Ardiel went further to caution against "disseminating misleading information and unfounded rumors," saying such actions "are irresponsible and put peacekeeping forces at risk." Despite these denials, Lebanese officials are reportedly pressing UNIFIL for answers regarding its role in the operation and are investigating if there were breaches of UN Resolution 1701, which aims to ensure peace in the Lebanon-Israel border region.
This operation in Lebanon is the latest of a series of high-stakes missions by Israeli forces across the region. An Israeli security official, speaking to Sky News Arabia, confirmed that Israeli forces conducted the capture deep within Lebanese territory, hinting at intensified Israeli efforts to counter Hezbollah's influence. The official noted that recent actions reflect a shift from defense to offense, particularly with Israel's airstrikes targeting Hezbollah's aerial capabilities.
Israeli media, citing government sources, has highlighted an uptick in operations aimed at Hezbollah positions. "The road ahead is long, and it continues to challenge us," an Israeli source said, referencing the recent intensification of airstrikes. "We've shifted from defense to offense with the Air Force in this domain, and we will not relent," they added.
This isn't the first time Israeli commandos have ventured into hostile territory to neutralize perceived threats. Reports from last September described an Israeli ground operation in Syria's Hama region, targeting a suspected military base. According to opposition sources, Israeli forces deployed drones to secure the area, with several casualties and arrests reported. That mission, targeting Iranian interests, aligns with Israel's ongoing efforts to curb Hezbollah and Iran-aligned activities across its borders.
In response to the recent incident, Hezbollah has distanced itself from Amhaz, with various media outlets painting him in different lights. Saudi news channel Al-Arabiya, for instance, reported that Amhaz might not be officially affiliated with Lebanon's armed forces. Lebanon's National News Agency recounted local accounts of a nighttime amphibious landing, describing a swift and organized capture operation that ended with the commandos disappearing by motorboat into the Mediterranean.
The Lebanese government has not issued a unified response, though Transport Minister Hamieh has expressed concerns over Israel's apparent disregard for Lebanese sovereignty. Hamieh's statements emphasized Lebanon's ongoing efforts to clarify UNIFIL's role and investigate potential violations of the UN resolution meant to protect Lebanese territory from foreign incursions.
