Hezbollah hiding millions in gold and cash under Beirut's Al-Sahel hospital, Israel claims

Israel on Monday (Oct 21) alleged that Hezbollah has stored hundreds of millions of dollars in cash and gold inside a bunker beneath Al-Sahel Hospital in Beirut. The Israeli military, however, assured that it would not target the facility despite ongoing airstrikes against the group's financial assets.

In a televised statement, Israeli military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari asserted that the intelligence leading to this claim has been gathered over the years.

He also announced that theIsraeli army has eliminated the latest commander responsible for funding the Lebanese Hezbollah group.

Add WION as a Preferred Source

The man, whose name has not been released, was killed in Syria. Heheaded the Iran-backed Hezbollah's Unit 4400, which is "responsible for the transfers and the amount of funds" to the group through Tehran's oil sales, said Hagari.

Hundreds of millions hidden

Hagari claimed that the bunker was built under the orders of Hezbollah's former leader, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah — killed last month — and that it was designed for long-term stays.

"There are hundreds of millions of dollars in cash and gold inside the bunker right now."

Hagari called on the Lebanese government and international organisations to prevent Hezbollah from using the alleged funds to support terror activities against Israel.

"I'm calling on the Lebanese government, Lebanese authorities, and the international organisations - don't allow Hezbollah to use the money for terror and to attack Israel," said Hagari.

"The Israeli Air Force is monitoring the compound, as you can see," he added, assuring "however, we will not strike the hospital itself".

However, Hagari confirmed that further attacks on Hezbollah's financial infrastructure are planned and will continue.

Hospital directorrejects accusations as false

The director of Al-Sahel Hospital Fadi Alameh, a Lebanese lawmaker, has denied the claims. In a conversation with the Reuters news agency, he called the allegations false and slanderous.

Alameh said that the hospital was being evacuated and called on the Lebanese Army to inspect the premises to confirm that it only housed patients, operating rooms, and a morgue.

This comes as Israeli Chief of General Staff Herzi Halevi announced that around 30 Hezbollah-affiliated sites, including Al-Qard al-Hassan, which Israel considers Hezbollah's financial arm, were struck by Israeli forces overnight.

(With inputs from agencies)