Lebanon has blocked an Iranian flight amidst Israeli allegations of cash smuggling to Hezbollah. The flight was canceled due to a lack of landing permissions, coinciding with statements from Israeli military officials. The situation illustrates Lebanon’s struggle to maintain sovereignty and respond to external pressures while managing the implications of international sanctions on Mahan Air.
Lebanon recently blocked an Iranian airliner from landing in Beirut, following Israeli allegations that Iran was using civilian flights to transport cash to Hezbollah. The flight from Mahan Air was canceled just before departure due to a lack of landing approval from Lebanese authorities, as confirmed by Saeed Chalandri, CEO of Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport. Video footage showed frustrated passengers awaiting clarification in the airport’s pilgrim area.
Lebanon’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation issued a statement indicating that the government requested airlines to temporarily reschedule flights while enhancements to security measures were put in place. No further specific details were provided regarding the affected airlines or flights despite a request for comments from the media.
The cancellation followed a statement from Israeli military spokesman Avichay Adraee, who claimed that Iran’s Quds Force was exploiting civilian flights to smuggle cash to Hezbollah without Lebanese government oversight. Efforts are underway for Lebanon to collaborate with its national airline, Middle East Airlines, to arrange the return of the stranded passengers from Tehran.
Mahan Air, subject to U.S. sanctions, is targeted due to its alleged role in funding Hezbollah. David Daoud of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies tracked multiple Mahan Air flights from Iran to Beirut and noted that this situation marks the first time Lebanon has blocked such a flight since a recent ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.
The ceasefire agreement obligates Lebanon to maintain control over its territory and restrict arms deliveries and attacks by Hezbollah. While Israeli forces are expected to withdraw, there are no explicit clauses about cash flow to Hezbollah. Adraee reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to preventing Hezbollah from increasing its military capabilities.
Daoud observed that the Israeli military’s statements signal direct observation of flights entering Beirut, prompting Lebanese authorities to act. He suggested that Lebanon should consistently ban Mahan Air from providing flights to demonstrate genuine sovereignty. Moreover, conducting thorough inspections of passengers and cargo could be a viable alternative measure.
Matthew Levitt from the Washington Institute heralded the cancellation as “welcome news” indicating a step towards Lebanese sovereignty, though he cautioned that this need not guarantee future actions.
This situation underscores the ongoing complexities in the region involving Iran, Hezbollah, and Israel, highlighting the delicate balance Lebanon must navigate to assert its sovereignty amidst external pressures.
The outcome of these actions will likely shape future engagements and the dynamics of security in the Mediterranean region.
In summary, Lebanon’s blocking of the Iranian flight signifies a complex interplay of Israeli pressure and Lebanese sovereignty issues. The situation reflects ongoing tensions over Hezbollah’s purported funding sources, further complicated by international sanctions and regional dynamics. Valuable insights into Lebanon’s actions reveal the potential need for consistent and robust measures against foreign influence and military logistics.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
