Lebanese authorities are ramping up investigations into an Israeli commando raid last week in the northern coastal city of Batroun, during which Imad Amhaz, a Hezbollah official, was snatched. 

Lebanon’s Internal Security Forces Information Branch launched its probe on Saturday, with a judicial source describing the incident as a “fully-fledged criminal act.” Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper, the source said the initial probe could take “at least three days” to uncover details, including the precise method used by the Israeli commandos to execute the operation.

The source highlighted the need for cooperation from the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which is tasked with monitoring Lebanese coastal security, maritime traffic, and port access around the clock. However, such cooperation has not yet been provided, the source added.

Multiple Theories for Israeli Raid

Lebanese security officials are considering several theories on how the Israeli unit carried out the landing, though investigations have not determined whether the team arrived via military boats or conducted an aerial landing by helicopter. According to Asharq Al-Awsat, UNIFIL has informed Lebanese officials that it has launched its own investigation to assess how Israel managed to carry out the operation with such precision and minimal detection.

A security source suggested that Israel might have used radar-jamming technology, potentially disrupting UNIFIL’s detection systems and enabling the team to reach the Batroun shore undetected. 

The Lebanese authorities are limited in their capacity to investigate UNIFIL’s role directly due to the peacekeeping force’s immunity. Lebanese officials cannot interrogate UNIFIL officers, personnel, or civilians working with them to verify how Israel bypassed international coastal surveillance. The international force’s findings are shared exclusively with the United Nations Secretary-General and are not required to be disclosed to Lebanese authorities.  

In response to rumors about its involvement, UNIFIL denied claims that it facilitated or coordinated with Israeli forces in the operation. 

Suspicion of Tampered Surveillance Footage

Security forces found approximately 10 foreign phone SIM cards, a mobile device, and a foreign passport at Amhaz's apartment. They also obtained surveillance footage from around the chalet, though Israeli forces are suspected of having deleted the data remotely.

Amhaz's father explained that the multiple passports and phone lines were consistent with his son’s maritime work, and that his seaman’s passport is used to enter ports internationally, with a standard passport used to return home upon work contract completion.