IDF revelation that Hezbollah evaded ‘surprise inspection’ while restoring weapons factory causes panic

Israel Defense Forces on Wednesday revealed that Hezbollah is trying to restore an underground weapons factory in Beirut that was destroyed by Israel last year, which has triggered rumors and speculation about possible new Israeli attacks.

When Israel informed the ceasefire control mechanism of the violation, Hezbollah was apparently alerted by informants before a surprise inspection and managed to hide its engineering vehicles, the IDF stated.

“The IDF revealed that Hezbollah attempted to restore an underground weapons production facility in Dahieh,” IDF International Spokesman Lt.-Col. Nadav Shoshani wrote on 𝕏.

⭕️ The IDF revealed that Hezbollah attempted to restore an underground weapons production facility in Dahieh.

This facility—which Hezbollah deliberately built near a school and beneath residential buildings in Beirut—was dismantled by the IAF in November 2024.

In early January,… pic.twitter.com/Lew8MtXwd1

— LTC Nadav Shoshani (@LTC_Shoshani) April 9, 2025

“This facility – which Hezbollah deliberately built near a school and beneath residential buildings in Beirut – was dismantled by the IAF [Israeli Air Force] in November 2024. In early January, information about Hezbollah’s activities at the site was conveyed to the monitoring mechanism and a surprise inspection was scheduled.”

The mechanism, which includes representatives from the U.S., France, Lebanon and the United Nations, is meant to receive warnings about possible ceasefire violations and to alert the UN peacekeeping force and the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF).

“However, Hezbollah was made aware of the inspection in advance. Aerial footage showed how Hezbollah removed its engineering vehicles before the inspection – and then returned them shortly after,” Shoshani wrote.

A report from the British news outlet 'The Times' indicated that Hezbollah has dozens of informants in the ranks of the LAF, which is possibly how the terror group received a warning ahead of the inspection.

“This is a serious incident and a blatant violation of the ceasefire understandings between Israel and Lebanon. We will continue to prevent any attempt by Hezbollah to re-arm and rebuild its terrorist forces,” Shoshani concluded.

Under the terms of the ceasefire, Hezbollah must withdraw its forces from the areas south of the Litani River, and eventually give up all its weapons. Since the start of the ceasefire, the IDF has continued to strike after identifying attempts to restore infrastructure or move weapons.

Recent reports about the possibility that #Hezbollah will allegedly agree to discuss disarmament do not align with reality. In addition to the direct sea route from Iran to #Lebanon via the Suez Canal, the Iranians, through their smuggling transport units, will try to reconstruct… pic.twitter.com/bdO5DYngri

— Israel-Alma (@Israel_Alma_org) April 10, 2025

The IDF’s revelation, along with reports that Hezbollah is trying to take control of the Beirut port to establish new weapons smuggling routes, has fueled speculation that Israel may be signaling potential targets for upcoming airstrikes.

On Thursday, the Hezbollah-affiliated Al-Akhbar news outlet claimed the report about the Beirut port originated with U.S. envoy Morgan Ortagus, who launched a “media campaign” to serve as a prelude and a justification for a future Israeli attack.

In addition, Al-Akhbar referenced “rumors” about an American security team secretly monitoring the port.

Speculation about an incoming Israeli attack was reinforced by a report in the al-Jumhuriya newspaper, which cited a “senior source” who also supported the claim.

Following the report about Hezbollah taking over the Beirut port, Lebanese Transportation Minister Fayez Rasamni visited the site on Wednesday, claiming that “security at the Beirut Port is held with an iron fist” and denying the report by al-Arabiya.

The panic about renewed Israeli attacks comes against the background of increased pressure on Hezbollah to lay down its weapons and transfer them to the Lebanese state.

The Trump administration is supporting the new Lebanese government on this issue. According to al-Akhbar, the United States has instructed Gulf states, including Qatar and Saudi Arabia, to refrain from providing financial support for the reconstruction of Lebanon unless Hezbollah and its patron, Iran, fulfill certain U.S. conditions.

On Wednesday, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said he and the government ministers are committed to ensuring that all weapons in the country would be held by the state, and that it alone would decide on matters of war and peace.

The Cabinet will soon convene to discuss how to accomplish this, Salam said after a meeting with the spiritual leader of the Maronite community, Lebanese Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi.