Israel and the U.S. have remained silent amidst Hezbollah’s allegations of pressure on Lebanon to halt Iranian flights. The Lebanese government has indefinitely suspended landings for Iranian airlines, complicating Hezbollah’s cash deliveries. Analysts suggest these actions are linked to both external and internal security dynamics, reflecting a complex web of regional relations and strategies.
The recent silence of Israel and the United States regarding Hezbollah’s claims highlights their low-profile approach to regional security issues. Observers believe Lebanon’s indefinite ban on Iranian airline landings complicates Iran’s financial support for Hezbollah, although alternative transport methods still exist. Beirut’s declared suspension began after an Israeli military warning against Iranian cash transportation via civilian aircraft, leading to a predicament for airlines like Mahan Air, trapped in Tehran with passengers stranded.
Hezbollah’s leadership accused Israel of threatening to strike Beirut airport should the unauthorized flight land. Furthermore, reports suggest that U.S. sanctions and pressure may have influenced Lebanon’s decision to curb Iranian flights. Lebanese President Aoun recognized that the measures against Iranian airlines correlate with sanctions imposed by external powers, underlining regional tensions.
Military experts indicate that Israel’s prior warnings can be conveyed through non-public threats, drawing comparisons to its previous strikes on Syrian airports used for smuggling arms. The U.S. typically employs discreet communications rather than public threats, reflecting a diplomatic stance toward Lebanon’s complex security situation.
In response to the restrictions, Iran might explore alternative routes through Iraqi or Turkish airlines to supply Hezbollah, though these options present their own challenges. Delivering smaller amounts of cash may prove easier, despite inconsistencies in Lebanon’s airport security, which has tightened since last fall to mitigate Hezbollah’s influence.
In summary, the response by Israel and the U.S. to Hezbollah’s allegations of pressure on Lebanon underscores a strategy of maintaining silence on sensitive regional matters. The ongoing restrictions on Iranian airline operations represent a significant barrier to Hezbollah’s funding, yet the group may still find alternative routes for financial support. The geopolitical implications of airport security and sanctions continue to shape Lebanon’s relations with its neighbors and external powers.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
