The resigned Lebanese caretaker government has reportedly averted a diplomatic crisis with Algeria after it was confirmed that Algerian “diplomats and security officials” allegedly transferred Iranian funds to Hezbollah, Algerian opposition activist Anouar Malek wrote via X on Thursday.
Malek claimed that over the past three months, tens of millions of dollars were funneled to Hezbollah through Algerian diplomatic and security channels.
خاص جدا – بيروت
نقل مصدر مقرب من مسؤول أمني رفيع أن حكومة تصريف الأعمال اللبنانية المستقيلة تجنبت أزمة ديبلوماسية مع الجزائر، بعد التأكد من قيام “ديبلوماسيين وأمنيين” جزائريين بنقل أموال إيرانية إلى ما يسمى بحزب الله في لبنان قدرت بعشرات ملايين الدولارات خلال الأشهر الثلاثة… pic.twitter.com/v5YWF3xzTY
— أنور مالك (@anwarmalek) February 13, 2025
According to the source, the method of moving money via Algerian officials was used as Iran faces increased scrutiny on its flights to Beirut, making direct transfers more difficult, as Israel recently accused Iran of using civilian flights to deliver cash to Hezbollah.
The alleged Algerian fund couriers reportedly receive a share of 7% to 10%, which is distributed among a specific circle of Algerian security officials, the source added.
Background on Iran-Hezbollah Funding and Algeria’s Ties
Iran has long been Hezbollah’s primary financial and military backer, providing the group with hundreds of millions of dollars annually, according to US intelligence reports.
However, tightened international sanctions on Iran, coupled with enhanced inspections of Iranian flights landing in Beirut, have complicated Tehran’s ability to transfer funds directly to Hezbollah.
While Algeria and Iran have maintained diplomatic relations, Algeria has officially denied involvement in Iran’s regional proxy networks.
However, reports have suggested growing cooperation between the two countries, particularly in intelligence and security matters.
Lebanon, facing a deep economic and political crisis, has sought to balance relations with various regional actors while avoiding entanglement in external conflicts.
The incoming Lebanese government is expected to raise the issue with Algeria’s military-led regime in an effort to halt such operations.
The allegations, if formally addressed, could strain Algeria-Lebanon ties and further highlight Iran’s efforts to circumvent financial restrictions on Hezbollah.