In March, as Israeli airstrikes targeted Beirut’s southern suburbs, chaos erupted. Residents fled in panic, providing cover for one man’s escape. This man, Khaled al-Aydi, found refuge beyond the confines of his Hezbollah detention. Under the shroud of urgency, he made his way to Baabda, disappearing into the Ukrainian Embassy’s gates.
Al-Aydi’s current whereabouts remain unknown. His escape underscores a broader, complex espionage issue as Hezbollah seeks to expose Israeli intelligence operatives within their ranks. Identified by Lebanese officials, al-Aydi, a Palestinian refugee from Syria with Ukrainian citizenship, had been held by Hezbollah. He faced accusations tied to an Israeli intelligence scheme aimed at bombings and killings. These details, revealed by anonymous Lebanese judicial and security sources, highlight the clandestine nature of his case.
The absence of al-Aydi poses political challenges for Lebanon’s government. If linked to governmental assistance, his escape might sour relations with Hezbollah’s Shiite base. The government is already wary due to negotiations with Israel amid ongoing hostilities with Hezbollah. A document from March shows Ukraine’s request for Lebanese help in facilitating al-Aydi’s departure. However, Lebanon’s General Security agency refused, citing a September arrest warrant.
The Israeli military intelligence agency, Mossad, and Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry chose not to comment. A Ukrainian official, speaking privately, denied al-Aydi’s presence within the embassy, citing security concerns. Israel’s surveillance capabilities in Lebanon present a formidable challenge. They have executed elaborate operations against Hezbollah and have developed robust intelligence networks.
Infiltration of Hezbollah’s operations has been possible due to comprehensive surveillance methods and strategic manipulations,said an expert on Hezbollah at the Atlantic Council.
Operations include sending rigged equipment into Hezbollah’s supply chain, resulting in deadly outcomes. These precedents highlight Israel’s ability to affect Hezbollah’s leadership structure significantly.
Since 2024, both Hezbollah and Lebanese authorities intensified actions against espionage networks. Convictions have followed as numerous alleged spies faced trial, underscoring the complexity of infiltrating surfaces and communities.Al-Aydi, however, breaks the norm, not fitting traditional spy profiles. Detailed court cases reveal payments from handlers, usually conducted via social media, with substantial financial incentives.
In one high-profile case, religious performer Mohammad Hadi Saleh awaited trial for allegedly aiding Mossad, showcasing Israel’s infiltration depth. Hezbollah, while quick to accuse opponents of espionage, found internal vulnerabilities alarming.
Recruitment remains persistent. An example includes leaflets from Israel, distributed with QR codes inviting Lebanese to contact recruitment officers. Meanwhile, Hezbollah and its allies respond by enhancing internal security measures.
Al-Aydi’s escape stirred speculation of his flight through Lebanon, possibly towards Syria. Another detainee shares his fugitive status, although others remain incarcerated. Primary suspicion rests on a Mossad handler coordinating activities remotely.
Hezbollah’s relations with Lebanon’s government are tense. The group’s war stance is at odds with the state’s diplomatic course. Al-Aydi’s case exacerbates these tensions. It places Lebanon in a precarious position, balancing external pressures and domestic anxieties.
Writer contributions from AP’s Samya Kullab and Josef Federman provided additional insights into this evolving situation.