Israel has accused Hezbollah of hiding over $500 million in gold and cash in a secret bunker located beneath the al-Sahel hospital in southern Beirut, according to Israeli military claims. The accusation came amid ongoing Israeli airstrikes targeting Hezbollah’s financial networks in Lebanon. Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, a spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), disclosed the alleged location of the bunker, which he said was connected to the hospital by an underground shaft.
“The bunker was deliberately placed under a hospital and holds more than half a billion dollars in cash and gold,” Hagari stated. He emphasized that the funds, which Israel claims belonged to slain Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, could have been used to rebuild Lebanon but were instead funneled into Hezbollah’s operations.
The IDF also alleged that the bunker, in addition to housing Hezbollah’s funds, connects to another building a short distance away. Despite these allegations, Hagari maintained that the IDF had no current plans to target the hospital itself, instead calling on Lebanese officials and international organizations to investigate the site. He urged them to ensure the funds were not used for terrorism against Israel.
The director of al-Sahel Hospital, Fadi Alameh, denied the Israeli claims and said that the hospital was being evacuated. He also invited the Lebanese army to inspect the facility to verify its innocence.
Israel has ramped up its military campaign against Hezbollah’s financial and military infrastructure, striking institutions linked to the group across Lebanon. The IDF accuses Hezbollah of hiding its operations within civilian areas, complicating the conflict. Hagari’s presentation of a 3D model of the alleged bunker beneath the hospital mirrors previous Israeli claims about Hamas using the al-Shifa hospital in Gaza as a command center, a claim which faced significant backlash due to a lack of evidence.
In recent days, Israeli forces have intensified their airstrikes and raids against Hezbollah’s leadership and financial backers, to cripple the group’s ability to fund and execute operations.
- Hezbollah is hiding over $500 million in gold, cash below Beirut hospital, IDF says New York Post
- Hezbollah generates funds for activities under the guise of a non-profit: Israeli officials Fox News.
- Hezbollah’s gold mine catches fire: Nasrallah’s bunker under hospital held half billion dollars The Jerusalem Post.
