Lebanon’s Government Under Pressure to Reverse Decision on Iranian Flights
Background and Context
Lebanon’s militant group Hezbollah is urging the Lebanese government to reverse its decision to block Iranian flights from landing in Beirut, following warnings from the United States. The Iran-backed group issued a statement, calling for the government to reverse its decision and take measures to prevent the Israeli enemy from imposing its dictates.
Recent Developments
A Lebanese source told AFP on Saturday that Lebanon had denied permission for Iranian flights to land twice this week, after the United States warned Israel might strike the airport. The first incident occurred on Thursday, when Lebanese authorities sent word to Iran that a Beirut-bound flight should not take off. According to the source, "Through the Americans, Israel informed the Lebanese state that it would target the airport if the Iranian plane landed in Lebanon." The American side told the Lebanese side that Israel was serious about its threat.
Response from Lebanon’s Government
The Lebanese public works and transport ministry refused clearance for the flight, after consulting with the prime minister and president, the source added. The message was passed on before the flight took off. Another flight was also barred from taking off from Iran on Friday, prompting protests in Lebanon from Hezbollah supporters, who blocked the road to the airport.
Reactions from Key Players
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam stated, "The security of Beirut airport takes precedence over any other consideration. And the safety of travelers as well as the safety of Lebanese citizens are elements on which we will not compromise." The decision to block the flights came after the Israeli military warned that Iran’s Quds Force and Hezbollah were using civilian flights to and from the airport to smuggle money to be used to re-arm the Lebanese group.
Context and Accusations
Israel has on several occasions accused Hezbollah of using the airport in Beirut to bring in weapons from Iran, allegations denied by both the group and the Lebanese authorities. A fragile ceasefire has been in place in Lebanon since November 27, after more than a year of hostilities and two of months of all-out war between Israel and Hezbollah.
Conclusion
The situation in Lebanon remains tense, with both sides making strong statements. The Lebanese government is under pressure to reverse its decision, while Israel is warning of potential consequences if the flights are allowed to land. The international community is watching the situation closely, waiting to see how it will unfold.
FAQs
Q: Why did Lebanon block Iranian flights from landing in Beirut?
A: Lebanon blocked the flights due to warnings from the United States that Israel might strike the airport.
Q: What did Israel warn of?
A: Israel warned that Iran’s Quds Force and Hezbollah were using civilian flights to and from the airport to smuggle money to be used to re-arm the Lebanese group.
Q: Has there been a ceasefire in Lebanon?
A: Yes, a fragile ceasefire has been in place in Lebanon since November 27, after more than a year of hostilities and two of months of all-out war between Israel and Hezbollah.