U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated on Wednesday that there is no current evidence to support Israeli claims that Hezbollah has stashed large amounts of cash and gold in a bunker beneath a hospital in Beirut. Austin’s remarks come after Israel’s military alleged that Hezbollah was hiding hundreds of millions of dollars in a facility under the Al-Sahel Hospital in the Lebanese capital, a claim that has drawn sharp rebukes from Lebanese officials.
Speaking from Rome, Austin clarified, “We have not seen evidence of that at this moment. But we will continue to collaborate with our Israeli counterparts to gain better fidelity on exactly what they are looking at.” His comments signal Washington’s caution in backing the Israeli accusations without conclusive proof.
Israel, which has intensified its campaign against Hezbollah in recent weeks, claimed that while it is targeting the group’s financial assets, it would refrain from attacking the hospital directly, despite the alleged presence of the bunker. The accusation has raised concerns about the potential targeting of civilian infrastructure amid the escalating conflict.
Fadi Alameh, a Lebanese lawmaker from the Shi’ite Amal Movement and director of Al-Sahel Hospital, categorically denied the Israeli claims, calling them “false and slanderous.” Alameh urged the Lebanese Army to inspect the facility to prove it only contained operating rooms, patients, and a morgue, dismissing the allegations as part of Israel’s propaganda efforts against Hezbollah.
As tensions continue to rise in the region, the U.S. maintains its commitment to working with Israel on intelligence gathering, while urging restraint to avoid further escalation in Lebanon.
