Iran has denied allegations of cash transfers to Hezbollah through Beirut airport, labeling them as Israeli disinformation. Hezbollah officials similarly refuted these claims, stating they are attempts by Israel and the U.S. to justify ongoing attacks. Amidst increased international pressure, Lebanon must reform its economy to receive necessary financial aid for reconstruction after devastating airstrikes.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry has categorically rejected allegations of cash transfers to Hezbollah via Beirut airport, labeling them as fabrications disseminated by Israeli interests aiming to obstruct Lebanon’s reconstruction efforts. Ismail Baghaei, spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry, stated on Monday that such claims lack merit and are merely an extension of Israeli propaganda.
Reports emerged from the Wall Street Journal, citing a U.S. defense official, indicating that Israel had informed a multinational committee about Iranian diplomats allegedly delivering substantial cash amounts to Hezbollah, purportedly through Turkish intermediaries. Hezbollah officials denied these accusations, asserting they are part of a broader Israeli and American strategy to rationalize ongoing hostilities and violations of ceasefire terms.
In the context of heightened scrutiny, an Iranian aircraft faced extensive security checks at Beirut’s Rafic Hariri International Airport when it was suspected of carrying funds for Hezbollah. Airport security insisted on inspecting the diplomatic bags of the Iranian delegation; initial refusals led to passenger disembarkation delays, although a letter from the Iranian embassy later clarified the contents as operational funds.
Lebanon’s financial situation remains precarious, exacerbated by increasing international demands for the nation to address its informal economy. The Financial Action Task Force recently placed Lebanon on its “grey list,” indicating a need for enhanced oversight of financial transactions, particularly concerning Hezbollah and illegal financial channels. Reforms are essential for Lebanon to secure international aid for reconstruction after significant Israeli airstrikes.
The issue at hand revolves around the allegations of cash transfers from Iran to Hezbollah, amidst Lebanon’s struggles with a parallel economy and international scrutiny. As Lebanon faces financial challenges, accusations against Iran and Hezbollah have intensified, perceived as tactics by Israel and its allies to discredit the Lebanese resistance movement. Effective reforms are critical for Lebanon to regain international support, especially given its recent inclusion on the FATF grey list, which highlights the need for strict financial oversight.
In summary, Iran has refuted claims of funding Hezbollah via Beirut airport, while Hezbollah has denounced the accusations as Israeli propaganda. The Lebanese government is under pressure to reform its financial system to combat smuggling and illegal funding practices. If such changes do not occur, Lebanon risks losing crucial international support needed for rebuilding following recent conflicts.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
