Lebanon has prevented an Iranian airliner from landing in Beirut amid Israeli accusations of cash transport to Hezbollah. This decision followed a request to airlines for temporary flight rescheduling to implement enhanced security measures. The incident indicates a pivotal moment in regional geopolitical tensions, particularly regarding Iranian influence and operations in Lebanon.
Lebanon recently barred an Iranian airliner from landing in Beirut following Israel’s allegations that Iran was utilizing civilian flights to finance Hezbollah. Saeed Chalandri, the chief executive of Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport, confirmed that the Mahan Air flight was canceled before takeoff due to the lack of landing permission from Lebanon.
Footage shared by an Iranian journalist showed frustrated passengers waiting in a designated area for religious pilgrims, showcasing their discontent at being marooned. Concurrently, Lebanon’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation announced a request for some airlines to reschedule their flights while enhancing security measures.
In response to Israeli claims that Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps was exploiting civilian flights for monetary support to Hezbollah, Lebanon is coordinating with its national carrier to manage the return of stranded passengers from Tehran. Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee emphasized that monitoring was crucial to prevent cash smuggling flights from Iran to Hezbollah.
Researcher David Daoud from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies noted that this was the first instance of Lebanon restricting Mahan Air since it resumed operations post-ceasefire in late November, following a yearlong conflict with Israel. He highlighted that recent developments at Beirut airport were indicative of Israeli scrutiny over Iranian flights suspected of carrying financial resources to Hezbollah.
The ceasefire between Israel and the Lebanese government necessitates strengthened assertiveness to prevent arms trafficking to Hezbollah, albeit with no specific reference to cash deliveries. Daoud asserted that the Lebanese government’s actions could show consistency if it prohibited Mahan Air entirely from operating in Beirut.
Matthew Levitt, an expert at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, remarked that the cancellation of the Mahan Air flight is a positive step in reaffirming Lebanese sovereignty— while acknowledging that continued action along this path is not guaranteed. This situation highlights the complexities of regional politics and the interplay of power dynamics surrounding the Lebanese airspace.
The Lebanese government’s recent decision to block the Iranian airliner underscores its response to Israeli allegations regarding cash transfers to Hezbollah. The evolving situation reflects broader security concerns and the complexities of regional dynamics post-conflict. Continued vigilance and decisive actions will determine the consistency of Lebanon’s claims to sovereignty and its stance against foreign influences in its airspace.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
