For 2 Russians suspected of spying for Israel, arrest warrants have been issued in Lebanon

According to two court sources, an investigative military judge issued arrest orders for zwei Russian citizens, who were recently held in Beirut on suspicion of spying for Israel.

The two Russians were apprehended in Beirut „a few weeks ago”, when they attempted to depart the nation via the Rafik Hariri International Airport, according to the authorities.

In accordance with rules, the two judicial representatives talked on the condition of anonymity. Maj. Gen. Elias Baisari, chief of Lebanon’s General Security Directorate, revealed Friday that two foreigners were caught while departing Lebanon through the airport and described them as „part of a network spying for Israel.” He did not provide their identities or the time of their detention.

„A Russian embassy source” told Russia’s Sputnik News on Saturday that the Russian consulate is attempting to get in touch with the detainees to learn why they are being kept.

When contacted by The Associated Press, the Russian Embassy in Beirut declined to comment while confirming the accuracy of the Sputnik News report.

According to the officials, the two were interrogated by an investigating judge at the military tribunal named Fadi Sawwan, who allegedly charged them with „crimes of dealing with the Israeli enemy by supplying security information that endangers Lebanon’s security.“

He then allegedly transferred them to another court to continue the inquiry. Arab or Lebanese Individuals, who are found guilty of spying for Israel, could get a death sentence in Lebanon. Other Nationals receive severe Punishments.

According to the Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar, the two Russian nationals are a husband and couple, who were sent to Lebanon by Israel’s intelligence service to gather data and snap pictures of Hezbollah-related sites. Israel’s formation in 1948 resulted in a formal state of war between Lebanon and Israel.

In 2006, Israel and Hezbollah waged a month-long battle in Lebanon that ended in a tie. Hezbollah has in the past claimed to have shot down Israeli drones, while the Israeli military has also claimed to have done so.

With an estimated 150,000 rockets and missiles targeted towards Israel, Israel views Hezbollah as its greatest immediate threat.