Concerns grow over Israeli claims of military tunnels beneath historic Baalbek citadel

The Baalbek citadel, one of the most prominent symbols of Roman civilization in the Middle East, has recently become the focus of Israeli claims. Israeli media and social media accounts have circulated maps and images alleging the existence of tunnels and military facilities beneath the archaeological site. This has sparked widespread concern in Lebanon that these allegations may serve as a pretext for military strikes against the historic site. The Lebanese Federation of Tourism Syndicates has rejected these claims, describing them as a fabrication intended to justify targeting the UNESCO World Heritage site. Archaeologist Dr. Mohammad Sharaf dismissed the allegations, asserting that the engineering structure of the Roman temples makes the excavation of new tunnels impossible, noting that the only existing tunnel is an integral part of the original ancient design. International law experts also noted that the Baalbek citadel is protected under international conventions, including the 1954 Hague Convention, and emphasized that unverified claims cannot strip the site of its legal protection.