The Lebanese government has indefinitely extended the suspension of incoming and outgoing flights to and from Iran, a decision taken following a U.S. warning about the potential targeting of these flights by Israel.
On Monday, February 17, the Lebanese government announced the indefinite extension of the flight suspension. Previously, the restriction was set to last until February 18, but according to Najat Sharaf al-Din, the spokesperson for the Lebanese presidency, the ban will remain in place until further notice.
Without specifying a potential timeline for lifting the ban, Sharaf al-Din stated: “The Minister of Public Works and Transport has been tasked with extending the suspension of flights to and from Iran.”
This decision follows a warning from the United States to Lebanon that Israel may target Iranian aircraft attempting to land in Beirut.
A Lebanese security source told Agence France-Presse (AFP) that after the ceasefire on November 27 between Hezbollah and Israel—brokered by Washington—concerns grew regarding the possible transfer of weapons from Iran to Lebanon through Beirut’s airport.
Israel has repeatedly accused Hezbollah of using the airport to receive military equipment from Iran, an allegation that Hezbollah and Lebanese officials have consistently denied.
Hezbollah’s Reaction and Street Protests
The Lebanese government’s decision has sparked strong reactions from Hezbollah and its supporters. Following the announcement of the flight ban, Hezbollah sympathizers blocked access roads to Beirut International Airport in protest.
Najat Sharaf al-Din stated that the Lebanese government had instructed security forces to prevent road blockages near the airport and to enhance security measures for all incoming and outgoing flights.
Sheikh Naim Qassem, Hezbollah’s Deputy Secretary-General, condemned the government’s move, calling it “the implementation of an Israeli directive.”
Amid the protests in Beirut, a United Nations (UNIFIL) convoy was attacked near the airport on Friday. During the incident, one of the UN vehicles was set on fire, and two peacekeepers were injured.
The attack has raised international concerns about escalating tensions in Lebanon. While Lebanese authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident, analysts believe that the rift between Hezbollah and the Lebanese government is deepening.
Stranded Lebanese Citizens in Iran
As a result of the extended flight suspension, some Lebanese citizens currently in Iran are facing difficulties returning home. The Lebanese government has stated that the Minister of Foreign Affairs is actively working on the matter and coordinating efforts to facilitate the return of Lebanese nationals from Iran.
The decision to extend the suspension of Iran-Lebanon flights is one of the most sensitive measures taken by the Beirut government in recent months. Not only has it provoked strong reactions from Hezbollah and led to street protests, but it has also intensified Lebanon’s internal tensions.
The U.S. warning regarding Israeli threats has further heightened concerns over potential regional escalations. Meanwhile, the attack on the UN convoy and the ongoing protests in Beirut suggest that Lebanon is once again on the brink of a security crisis.
