Hezbollah Claims Israel Is Responsible for Cyber Intrusion into Lebanon’s Surveillance Cameras

Hezbollah has claimed that Israel infiltrated the CCTV systems placed outside residences and businesses in Southern Lebanon. In response to this alleged cyber intrusion, Hezbollah has advised local residents to disconnect their private surveillance cameras from the internet. This accusation comes amidst increasing hostilities along the Israel-Lebanon border, primarily involving the Israeli army and Hezbollah, since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict on October 7, heightening concerns about a wider escalation.

According to Hezbollah, Israel’s hacking activities were an attempt to regain visual intelligence after Hezbollah’s offensive actions destroyed most of Israel’s border cameras. Hezbollah released a statement alleging that Israel had accessed civilian cameras in frontline villages.

Since the commencement of these border clashes, over 150 individuals have died on the Lebanese side, with the majority being Hezbollah fighters, but the death toll also includes over 20 civilians, such as three journalists. In contrast, Israeli military reports indicate the loss of at least four civilians and nine soldiers.

Most of the skirmishes have been localized to the border region, though Israel has carried out limited incursions into deeper Lebanese territory.

Israel has threatened intensified military actions unless Hezbollah militants move further away from the border. In retaliation for the October 7 attack attributed to Hamas, Israel has pledged to dismantle the group. The continuing Israeli military campaign, including air strikes and a ground offensive, has resulted in the death of at least 21,320 people, predominantly women and children.