Lebanon news anchor detained over Al Arabiya interview with Israel army spox

Lebanese journalist Layal Alekhtiar, an anchor for Saudi-owned Al Arabiya, was detained and questioned by Lebanese authorities on Wednesday for interviewing Israeli military spokesman for Arab media, Avichay Adraee, in October 2023. Alekhtiar, based in Dubai, conducted the interview during the occupation army’s initial ground invasion of Gaza, violating Lebanon’s Boycott of Israel Law.

Alekhtiar was detained upon arrival in Beirut after a military prosecutor issued a warrant in November 2023 accusing her of “communicating with enemy officials.” She attributed the complaint to individuals “affiliated with Hezbollah” and described the move as “blatant political persecution” aimed at suppressing press freedom.

Defending her actions, Alekhtiar wrote on social media at the time: “I am not afraid because I am Lebanese from now until the Day of Resurrection and Arab until my last breath. You will not touch my freedom, my dignity, or my convictions.”

Speaking to Arab News, she emphasised: “I conducted the interview respectfully, asked all necessary questions, and ended it. A respectable journalist respects their guest, no matter who it may be.”

فخامة الوطن … شكرا 🙏❤️ pic.twitter.com/1DyHGLKv6j

— Layal Alekhtiar – ليال الاختيار (@layal_alekhtiar) January 24, 2025

On Friday, Alekhtiar shared an image of her meeting with recently-appointed Lebanese President Joseph Aoun with the caption “Your Excellency, thank you.”

READ: Hezbollah demands Israel abide by ceasefire terms, withdraw from southern Lebanon

Al Arabiya backed Alekhtiar, calling the arrest warrant “an attack on journalism” and condemning attempts to intimidate journalists. The Lebanese Kataeb Party also criticised Hezbollah’s alleged role in pressuring for her arrest.

According to Al-Monitor, Alekhtiar was released on bail of 50 million Lebanese pounds (approximately $558) but remains under investigation. Under Lebanese law, contact with Israeli citizens is deemed treason or espionage, punishable by prison or death. The law has been enforced before, including the 2018 detention of actor Ziad Itani, whose trial was later discredited by human rights groups.

Alekhtiar maintains the interview was a professional obligation, stressing that Al Arabiya had assigned her the task.

READ: 15 killed by Israeli army fire as residents try to return to southern Lebanon