Opposition praises Lebanese security role

BEIRUT, Lebanon, May 18 (UPI) -- Lebanese opposition lawmakers congratulated security officials for recent arrests related to an Israeli-backed spy ring, saying it spoke of Lebanese resilience.

Authorities in Lebanon have arrested several officials and civilians in recent weeks who are believed linked to the Israeli intelligence agency, Mossad.

Lebanese security officials described the arrests as a strike against Israeli interference, and lawmakers with Hezbollah's Loyalty to the Resistance bloc backed those sentiments, Hezbollah's al-Manar TV reports.

"What has been and will be uncovered will also confirm that we are immune against infiltration," Mohammed Raad, head of Loyalty to the Resistance, told al-Manar.

Meanwhile, Hassan Fadlallah, also with the Resistance bloc, called on supporters to come to the aid of Lebanese security forces in deterring what he described as Israeli aggression.

Hezbollah faces criticism for operating a paramilitary force in southern Lebanon, where national forces are attempting to take greater responsibility. A delegation led by former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright praised democratic reforms in Lebanon last week but expressed concern over unnamed irregular militias.

Lebanon holds parliamentary elections June 7. The opposition March 8 slate is expected to secure a slim victory over the pro-Western March 14 slate.