Beirut Airport Iran-Israel Tensions: Lebanon Bans Flights, Hezbollah Supporters Protest

Beirut Airport Iran-Israel Tensions: Lebanon Bans Flights, Hezbollah Supporters Protest

Beirut, February 20: Just weeks after Lebanon formed its first government, the decision to ban Beirut-Tehran flights has created new instability for the country. On February 13, Lebanon denied permission for an Iranian plane to land at Rafic Hariri International Airport after Israel accused Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of using civilian flights to smuggle funds to Hezbollah.

In quick retaliation, Iran also canceled Lebanese flights. The timing of this dispute has further escalated tensions, as Lebanon is expecting tens of thousands of visitors for the funeral of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike on September 27.

The ban on Iranian flights sparked protests among Hezbollah supporters, who blocked roads leading to the airport, clashed with the Lebanese army, and even attacked a convoy carrying UN peacekeepers, torching a vehicle and injuring two.

Makram Rabah, an assistant professor at the American University of Beirut, believes that this decision by Lebanon’s new government is not just about curbing illicit funding smuggling but also about preventing the supply of Iranian weapons. He said, "This is a result of international pressure, especially from the US, urging Lebanon to take a firm stance."

Lebanon’s new government has intensified security checks on Iranian flights to prevent illegal funds from reaching Hezbollah.

Middle East analyst Yeghia Tashjian stated, "Lebanon has entered a new era, with the government facing increasing pressure from the US and Israel. Western aid and reconstruction efforts will only be possible after implementing reforms and UN Security Council Resolution 1701."

In this context, Lebanon needs a balanced foreign policy to protect the country from further political and social instability.