BEIRUT — Lebanese authorities barred an Iranian plane from landing in Beirut on Thursday after the United States relayed a warning that Israel could strike the airport if the aircraft arrived, a Lebanese security source said Saturday.
A second flight scheduled for Friday was also denied entry, sparking protests by Hezbollah supporters, who blocked the road leading to Beirut’s international airport.
"Through the Americans, Israel informed the Lebanese state that it would target the airport if the Iranian plane landed in Lebanon," the security source told AFP. The U.S. conveyed that "Israel was serious in its threat."
In response, the public works and transport minister — after consulting with the prime minister and president — decided to deny the flight permission before its departure, the source added.
Avoid putting Beirut airport "in danger"
Lebanese authorities determined that preventing the plane from landing was "the best solution ... to avoid putting the airport in danger," the source said, despite the country enforcing "strict security controls on Iranian flights." The same restriction was applied to a second flight from Iran on Friday.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam defended the decision, stating on Saturday that "the security of Beirut airport takes precedence over any other consideration. The safety of travelers and the security of Lebanese citizens are elements with which we will not compromise."
Tehran said it was open to "constructive discussions" with Lebanon on resuming flights. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his Lebanese counterpart, Joe Raggi, discussed ways to resolve the issue, according to a statement from Iran’s foreign ministry. Flights between the two countries are reportedly suspended until at least Feb. 18. The ban sparked anger amongst Hezbollah supporters, who took to the streets to protest the decision.
Israel has long accused Hezbollah of smuggling funds and weapons from Iran through Beirut’s airport, a claim denied by both Hezbollah and Lebanese officials. A fragile cease-fire has been in place in Lebanon since Nov. 27, following more than a year of hostilities and two months of open war between Israel and Hezbollah.