Israeli army: Secret maritime file focuses on building organized naval infrastructure under civilian cover

The Israeli army said Friday that its naval commando unit carried out a covert operation nearly a year ago in the northern Lebanese town of Batroun, about 140 kilometers from the border, resulting in the capture of a Hezbollah operative linked to the group's secret maritime activities.

Army spokesperson Avichay Adraee said the operation, dubbed "Behind the Lines," was conducted by fighters from Shayetet 13, the elite naval commando unit, under the direction of naval intelligence. According to Adraee, the forces arrested Imad Amhaz, whom he described as a key figure in Hezbollah's covert maritime file and a member of the group's coastal missile unit, known as Unit 7900.

Adraee said Amhaz was transferred to Israel for interrogation. During questioning, he allegedly revealed sensitive intelligence about Hezbollah's maritime operations, which the Israeli army described as among the group's most secretive and strategically sensitive projects.
 
According to the Israeli army, Amhaz received military training in Iran and Lebanon and gained extensive maritime experience intended to support what it described as planned "maritime terrorist operations." Adraee also claimed that Amhaz had trained at Lebanon's civilian Maritime Institute "Marsati," saying this illustrated what he called Hezbollah's exploitation of Lebanese civilian institutions to advance its activities.

The Israeli army said the secret maritime file focuses on building an organized naval infrastructure under a civilian cover to target Israeli and international interests. Hezbollah has not immediately commented on the Israeli claims.