Lebanon Blocks Iranian Plane from Landing in Beirut Following Israeli Warning

Lebanon’s caretaker Minister of Public Works and Transport, Ali Hamieh, confirmed on Saturday that Beirut’s Rafic Hariri International Airport was instructed to deny an Iranian plane entry into Lebanese airspace and prevent it from landing. The decision came after the Israeli army intercepted the airport’s air traffic control communication, warning it would “use force” if the plane landed.

Hamieh reiterated that Beirut airport is strictly civilian and that military aircraft require prior approval from the Lebanese army. This response followed a statement by Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee, who warned of potential arms transfers to Hezbollah. Israel’s army had threatened to target Beirut’s airport amid its ongoing escalation with Hezbollah.

A Lebanese Ministry of Public Works and Transport source told Reuters that the ministry advised the Iranian plane to avoid Lebanese airspace after Israel’s warning to the Beirut air traffic control that it would use force. The source added that it remained unclear what was on board the plane, but that the priority was the safety of lives.