Lebanese authorities seized $2.5 million in cash from a man arriving from Turkey at Beirut Airport on Friday, with sources telling Reuters that the money was intended for Hezbollah. The seizure, described as unprecedented by one source, has raised questions about the involvement of Turkey and its role in potentially funneling money to the militant group.

The detainee, identified as "M.H.," arrived on a Pegasus Airlines flight from Turkey early Friday morning, Al-Modon website reported. During a routine search of his luggage, security officials discovered the large sum of cash, leading to his immediate detention for questioning.

Lebanon's finance ministry confirmed the seizure but refrained from directly linking the funds to Hezbollah, stating only that the individual and the seized money would be handed over to the General Directorate of General Security for further investigation.

This event comes amid ongoing accusations from Israel that Turkey is cooperating with Iran to provide financial support to Hezbollah, a claim that has intensified in recent weeks. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, during a meeting with a group of U.S. senators earlier this month, reiterated these allegations, accusing Turkey of assisting Iran’s efforts to smuggle funds to Hezbollah. According to Sa’ar, this is part of a broader Iranian effort to restore Hezbollah’s power and influence in Lebanon.

“There is an intensified Iranian effort to smuggle money into Lebanon for Hezbollah to restore its power and status. This effort is being carried out, among other channels, via Turkey and with its cooperation,” Sa’ar said, emphasizing the growing international concern over the situation.

The seizure of funds follows similar tensions, including an incident earlier this month in which Lebanon halted an Iranian flight to Beirut after Israeli military accusations that Iran was using civilian aircraft to smuggle money intended for Hezbollah.