According to the French-language Lebanese newspaper L’Orient-Le Jour, the Lebanese military court has formally charged the prominent religious chanter Mohammad Hadi Saleh with espionage for Israel, in one of the most serious spy cases involving a civilian figure closely linked to Hezbollah.

Military prosecutor Fadi Akiki is leading the investigation, which alleges that Saleh received $23,000 in exchange for sensitive intelligence believed to be related to strategic Hezbollah-linked locations.

Initially opened as a fraud case, the investigation took a dramatic turn after the examination of Saleh’s phone revealed substantial evidence suggesting collaboration with Israeli intelligence.

Saleh is suspected of providing information that contributed to the April assassination of Hezbollah commander Hassan Bdeir and his son Ali, as well as other attacks in southern Lebanon’s Nabatieh region throughout May.

Known for his presence in religious and cultural circles in Beirut’s southern suburbs, Saleh’s alleged betrayal has sent shockwaves through Hezbollah’s support base.

This case comes amid escalating regional tensions and increased covert operations between Hezbollah and Israel.