Israel Accuses Senior Lebanese Officer Of Obstructing UNIFIL Soldier Murder Investigation

Israel has accused Suheil Gharb (also named Suhail Bahij Harb), the head of the Lebanese army's southern intelligence division, of collaborating with Hezbollah to obstruct the investigation into the 2022 murder of Irish UNIFIL peacekeeper Private Seán Rooney. The IDF alleges that Gharb disclosed Lebanese Army intelligence to Hezbollah and prevented prosecution of those involved in the attack, which resulted in Rooney's death and injuries to other soldiers. The main suspect, Mohammad Ayyad, was sentenced to death in absentia by a Lebanese military tribunal in 2025, while other Hezbollah members received fines or short prison sentences. UNIFIL and the Lebanese Army have denied knowledge of or involvement in any cover-up, and UNIFIL has stated it is unaware of the Israeli claims. The incident has heightened tensions amid debates over the renewal of the UNIFIL peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon, which Israel opposes but Ireland and Lebanon support. Rooney's mother has also pursued legal action against the UN, alleging inadequate rescue efforts during the attack.