Lebanon canceled an Iranian airliner flight to Beirut amid Israeli allegations of cash smuggling to Hezbollah. Israeli military accuses Iran of exploiting civilian flights for financial assistance to its proxy. Experts call for more consistent actions from Lebanon to assert sovereignty over its airspace and effectively manage threats posed by Hezbollah.
On Thursday, Lebanon prevented an Iranian airliner from landing in Beirut following an Israeli accusation that Iran was exploiting civilian flights to transport funds to the Lebanese militia, Hezbollah. Saeed Chalandri, chief executive of Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport, indicated that permission for the Mahan Air flight to land in Beirut was not granted prior to its scheduled departure, which resulted in the cancellation of the flight.
A video shared on X by a credible Iranian journalist depicted frustrated passengers awaiting departure in a hall meant for religious pilgrims. Lebanon’s National News Agency announced that the country’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation is requesting certain airlines to temporarily alter their flight schedules to accommodate additional security measures. The civil aviation authority has not yet clarified which airlines are affected or the extent of flight cancellations.
The Israeli military’s spokesperson, Avichay Adraee, issued a statement alleging that the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Quds Force was using passenger flights to smuggle cash to Hezbollah without the Lebanese government’s oversight. Iran’s U.N. Mission had yet to respond to inquiries regarding this allegation. Mahan Air, targeted by U.S. sanctions, has been under scrutiny for its flights associated with Hezbollah funding.
David Daoud from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies tracked 26 Mahan Air flights from Iran to Beirut since December 1, indicating that this was the first instance Lebanon has blocked such a flight since Mahan Air resumed service following a ceasefire after a conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. Adraee noted that Israeli intelligence has provided information to a U.S.-led monitoring group to intercept illicit cash delivery operations.
Under the terms of the ceasefire, it is incumbent upon the Lebanese government to maintain control within its territory and prevent militant groups from receiving arms or related materials. This does not explicitly address cash shipments to Hezbollah. Adraee emphasized that Israeli military will take all necessary measures to ensure security, signaling increased vigilance over Hezbollah’s operations.
David Daoud remarked that this recent action reflects a strategic dynamic, noting that Israeli statements prompt Lebanese authorities to appear proactive. He suggested that for Lebanon to demonstrate true commitment to its sovereignty, it might need to issue a total ban on Mahan Air flights or subject its operations to rigorous scrutiny upon arrival.
Matthew Levitt of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy expressed that the cancellation of the Mahan Air flight represents a positive step for Lebanon in reasserting authority over its airspace. However, he cautioned that consistent enforcement remains critical for this to be a meaningful action.
In summary, Lebanon’s decision to block an Iranian airliner follows Israeli allegations regarding the misuse of civilian flights for Hezbollah funding. This development signifies increased scrutiny over Mahan Air and a potential shift in Lebanon’s approach to air traffic management concerning Iranian flights. Maintaining sovereignty and preventing arms trafficking appear to be key focuses for the Lebanese government in the ongoing geopolitical tensions involving Israel and Hezbollah.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
