Amhaz Kidnapping Sparks Outrage in Lebanon
The recent kidnapping of Lebanese citizen Imad Fadel Amhaz by Israeli naval commandos has ignited widespread anger within Lebanon. Official channels have expressed their outrage, leading to a formal complaint being prepared against Israel to be submitted to the United Nations Security Council. Minister of Public Works and Transport, Ali Hamieh, has suggested that the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) bears some responsibility for the incident, citing its role in monitoring the Lebanese coast as per Security Council Resolution 1701.
Conflicting Narratives: Civilian or Hezbollah Member?
The situation has been complicated by conflicting narratives surrounding Amhaz's identity. While Israel claims that he is a member of Hezbollah and a naval officer, Lebanese authorities have firmly denied these allegations, asserting that Amhaz is merely a civilian sea captain. Reports indicate that the Israeli naval commando unit, Shayetet 13, conducted a raid approximately 200 kilometers into Lebanese territory, seizing Amhaz from his home in the coastal town of Batroun. Eyewitness accounts describe a heavily armed military force conducting a swift operation before escaping by speedboat.
UNIFIL and Lebanese Government Response
In response to the accusations, UNIFIL has categorically denied any involvement in the kidnapping, with Deputy Spokesperson Candice Ardell stating that the organization does not facilitate any violations of Lebanese sovereignty. Meanwhile, Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati has instructed Foreign Minister Abdullah Bou Habib to escalate the matter to the Security Council, emphasizing the need for an investigation into the actions of the Israeli forces and the circumstances surrounding the kidnapping.
