Lebanese officials confirmed on 26 October 2026 that allegations regarding the capture of two Mossad spies in the country are false. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam dismissed the circulating claims as "moral bankruptcy" during a press briefing. In a formal statement released on the same day, Lebanese officials explicitly stated that the rumors of two captured Mossad spies were fake news, aimed at destabilizing public discourse.
Authorities detained two Palestinian men from Ramallah in Beirut following reports of suspicious activity. Security services apprehended the individuals after they used Israeli phone country codes to complete hotel reservations. The use of these specific international dialing codes triggered an immediate alert within the security apparatus, which monitors communication patterns for potential threats. Official statements maintain that no evidence links the detained men to foreign intelligence services despite the nature of the communication methods used to book their accommodation. Investigations remain ongoing to verify the identities of the men and the specific circumstances surrounding their arrival in the capital.
Investigation Into Detained Men
Security forces conducted a formal investigation into the two men and determined that both individuals entered Lebanon through legal channels. Records indicate that the detainees had visited the country on previous occasions. The investigation into the background of these men involved a review of their travel logs and immigration history, which confirmed that their presence in the country followed standard procedures. Security forces have been tasked with cross-referencing these findings with regional databases to ensure that no procedural lapses occurred during their entry.
The Beirut Time reported that the two men were registered as guests at the Lancaster Eden Bay hotel in Beirut. According to the same outlet, the individuals checked into the hotel using Turkish passports. The hotel staff alerted authorities after noticing the discrepancy between the passport documentation and the contact information provided during the booking process. The Beirut Time further noted that the hotel management cooperated fully with the security services throughout the duration of the inquiry.
Public anxiety regarding the presence of Mossad in Lebanon has increased since the pager plot occurred in September 2024. This heightened state of alert has led to increased scrutiny of foreign visitors and a greater frequency of security interventions regarding suspected intelligence-gathering activities. Security agencies continue to process the information gathered during the detention of the two men to clarify their activities in the capital. As the investigation proceeds, the government has urged the public to rely on official channels for information regarding national security matters to prevent the spread of unverified claims. The authorities remain committed to ensuring that all legal residents and visitors are processed according to the established laws of the land, while maintaining the integrity of the state’s counter-intelligence operations.
