Israel has publicly acknowledged responsibility for a covert naval operation in northern Lebanon that resulted in the capture of a high-ranking Hezbollah official. The raid, conducted by Israel’s elite Shayetet 13 naval commando unit, took place in the coastal city of Batroun and was reportedly executed with precision following extensive planning and intelligence gathering.

According to the Israeli Army Radio, the operation, long in preparation, was initially intended to remain classified. Israeli military sources indicated that the mission was greenlit only when intelligence conditions allowed a high degree of confidence for success. 

Intelligence operatives had tracked the target, identified as Imad Amhaz, for an extended period before executing the mission, the report noted. Amhaz is alleged to be a senior Hezbollah figure actively involved in the group's activities.

The operation reportedly unfolded without resistance, with Amhaz surrendering without incident.

“No exchange of fire occurred, and the captured individual did not resist,” Israeli Army Radio stated. 

The Israeli military initially intended to keep the operation confidential but decided to assume responsibility after it was disclosed by Lebanese media. Security sources cited by Israeli Army Radio suggested the team anticipated that local surveillance might capture their activities, but this risk did not deter the operation.

The operation was a collaborative effort between Shayetet 13 commandos and Unit 504, a division of Israeli military intelligence, both working in civilian clothing. The commandos reportedly arrived in Lebanese security forces’ uniforms, which helped facilitate their movements and conceal their identities. According to Kan, Israel’s public broadcaster, the force included approximately 20 personnel and was accompanied by civilians, though it remains unclear if any of these civilians were local Lebanese agents. The operation on the beach reportedly lasted only four minutes.

Investigators fluent in Arabic conducted preliminary interrogation on-site to confirm the identity of Amhaz and ensure they had detained the intended target, according to Israeli Army Radio.

The Israeli sources underscored that Hezbollah’s maritime operations are highly classified, with only a small number of individuals involved and stringent security measures in place. The capture of a senior Hezbollah figure in the maritime division represents a substantial intelligence victory, the radio report emphasized.