Lebanon Extends Suspension of Flights to and from Iran

The Lebanese government announced that it has extended the suspension of flights to and from Iran. The Lebanese presidency announced this decision following a cabinet meeting on Monday, February 18. The duration of the extension has not been specified. Last week, Lebanon prevented a flight from Iran to Beirut after the Israeli army accused the Islamic Republic of using civilian aircraft to smuggle cash to Beirut to arm Hezbollah. In a reciprocal move, the Islamic Republic announced that it would not allow Lebanese flights to land until its flights were permitted to land in Beirut. The Israeli army stated on Wednesday, February 13, that the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has continued to smuggle cash for the 'terrorist group Hezbollah' in Lebanon through Beirut International Airport in recent weeks. Following this announcement, the new Lebanese government banned Iranian airline flights to Beirut. Supporters of Hezbollah protested for the third consecutive day on Saturday, February 18, against the prevention of Iranian flights from entering Beirut airport, leading the Lebanese army to use tear gas to disperse the protesters. Hassan Fadlallah, a Hezbollah representative in the Lebanese parliament, criticized the army's actions and called for accountability for the forces that fired tear gas at the protesters. He stated, 'The army and the Lebanese government should have held urgent meetings to prevent Israeli policies from being imposed on Beirut airport and to confront the continued occupation of Lebanese lands, rather than using force against a peaceful gathering on the way to the airport.' Meanwhile, the Lebanese state news agency reported that Ahmad Hajar, the Lebanese interior minister, called for an emergency meeting to review the country's security situation before the afternoon of Saturday, February 18. He also issued necessary orders to identify the perpetrators and refer them to judicial authorities, stating that more than 25 people have been arrested for investigation regarding this attack. The U.S. State Department condemned the violent attack by Hezbollah supporters on a United Nations peacekeeping convoy (UNIFIL) in Beirut. On Saturday, February 18, the U.S. State Department issued a statement praising the quick response of the Lebanese armed forces to prevent escalation of violence, as well as the Lebanese government's commitment to take all necessary actions to hold those responsible for the attack accountable. UNIFIL reported that Hezbollah supporters attacked the UN peacekeeping convoy on the way to Beirut airport, injuring and wounding Arnaldo Lazaro, the deputy representative of UNIFIL in Lebanon. The French Foreign Ministry also stated on Saturday, February 18, that France urges Lebanese security forces to ensure the safety of peacekeeping forces and calls on Lebanese judicial authorities to clarify all aspects of this unacceptable attack and take action against the perpetrators. Israel has repeatedly accused the Islamic Republic of abusing Beirut airport to transfer money and weapons to Hezbollah.