Israel has filed complaints with the U.S.-led committee overseeing the Lebanon ceasefire, alleging that Iran is smuggling millions of dollars to Hezbollah through Beirut’s international airport, The Wall Street Journal reported Friday.

According to Israeli officials, Iranian diplomats and couriers have been transporting large amounts of U.S. dollars in suitcases from Tehran to Beirut. Israel also claims Turkish nationals are involved in smuggling funds from Istanbul to Beirut.

Israel has allegedly warned the committee that it may target Beirut Airport if these activities continue. The ceasefire committee, which includes representatives from Israel, Lebanon, the U.S., France, and the UN, has passed Israel’s concerns to the Lebanese government.

A Lebanese security official told The Wall Street Journal that Beirut Airport is under strict military control to prevent Hezbollah from smuggling cash. However, the official acknowledged that valuable items like diamonds could pass undetected.

In early January, an Iranian diplomat at Beirut Airport refused to have his luggage searched, causing a brief standoff. Lebanon’s Foreign Ministry later stated the funds in the diplomat’s possession were for embassy expenses.

Hezbollah’s Deputy Secretary-General Naim Qassem said in December that $50 million had been distributed to displaced Lebanese households, confirming Iranian financial support. Israel has previously targeted Hezbollah’s financial network, including the Al-Qard Al-Hassan financial institution, which it accuses of money laundering. 

A Fire broke out at one of Hezbollah’s “Al-Qard Al-Hassan” Bank Branches in Southern Beirut, with it reported to have been caused by an Israeli Airstrike. pic.twitter.com/TpUFhpFHiT

— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) October 20, 2024

The ceasefire, which began on November 27, ended two months of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah.