Lebanese-American man faces military court for contact with Israeli embassy

Michel B., a Lebanese-American and former US military intelligence officer who has lived in Lebanon since 2001, has been referred to a Lebanese military court. Authorities arrested the man after receiving intelligence last April that he had contacted the Israeli embassy in Cyprus. Forensic analysis of his mobile phone revealed a text message sent on October 30, 2025, to a number linked to the embassy, in which he claimed to have shared sensitive security information. The defendant denies any intent to provide intelligence to Israel. He stated that he referenced sensitive information solely to gain the attention of Israeli officials so they could assist him in contacting the US embassy in Cyprus. He claims he took this action because US diplomatic authorities ignored his previous requests for help. He also testified that he and his wife were seeking to leave Lebanon due to death threats and the stigma of being labeled an American Zionist. The defendant was held in custody for 35 days before being released on a 70 million Lebanese pound bail.