Israeli Dolphin Class Submarine and German UNIFIL Navy Role in Lebanese Batroun Abduction.

By Elijah J. Magnier:

In a covert operation, Israel deployed dozens of special forces to Lebanon, landing them on Batroun beach, a predominantly Christian area in the north, to abduct naval merchant captain Imad Amhaz while evading Lebanese naval detection. This operation raises questions about the methods employed, including the potential use of a Dolphin-class submarine to avoid UNIFIL naval patrols enforcing UNSCR 1701.

This operation involved a primary kidnap team – only 17 operatives were caught on camera during the mission – with a secondary team securing the beach. How would they have coordinated their withdrawal, and could they have relied on aerial support for surveillance or emergency extraction if they encountered resistance? These tactical considerations provide an insight into the complexity and precision required for such an operation in a monitored and potentially hostile environment.

Military sources close to the resistance who have investigated and reconstructed Israel’s violation of Lebanese sovereignty believe that a Dolphin-class submarine was used to covertly transport and deploy an Israeli Special Forces team for a high-risk operation in Batroun. The Israeli Dolphin class submarine, based on German submarine designs and modified to Israeli specifications, is one of the most advanced components of the Israeli Navy and plays a critical role in its deterrence and strategic operations.