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Lebanese Army Takes Charge of Airport Operations Amid Israeli Threats
As concerns rise in Lebanon about the possibility of Israel targeting Beirut Airport, the only airport in the country, under the pretext of the existence of weapons belonging to Hezbollah, sources from Al-Arabiya/Al-Hadath revealed that the Lebanese Army has stepped in.
The sources clarified today, Thursday, that the army has been tasked with overseeing the takeoff and landing operations of aircraft as well as inspection processes within the airport, in order to prevent any violations that Israel might use as a pretext to disrupt air traffic. Additionally, the sources noted that the military attaché at the U.S. embassy toured the airport to ensure no weapons were present.
Earlier today, Al-Arabiya/Al-Hadath's correspondent confirmed that air traffic continues, even after the Masnaa crossing, the land route to Syria, was closed.
The airport is the sole point of entry and exit for travelers going to and from Lebanon, in addition to cargo and aid flights. Most foreign airlines announced in recent weeks a suspension of their flights to Lebanon due to the heavy airstrikes carried out by Israel, many of which targeted the airport road and its surrounding areas, where Israel claims Hezbollah has facilities and storage sites.
Meanwhile, Middle East Airlines continued its flights to transport hundreds of Lebanese travelers fleeing from the war. Lebanese Transport Minister Ali Hamie affirmed that "the government is making every effort to keep public facilities operational by land, sea, and air, with the first being Rafic Hariri International Airport."
When asked if the government is confident about the airport not being targeted, Hamie stated, "We have seen some reassurances in the ongoing international communications,” but he also pointed out that "there is a significant difference between reassurances and guarantees,” according to what was reported by AFP.
It is worth noting that since the escalation between Hezbollah and Israel began a year ago, Middle East Airlines has taken precautionary measures by lowering war risk insurance rates from insurance companies, including positioning aircraft abroad in locations like Cyprus and Turkey.
During previous conflicts, Beirut Airport was subjected to shelling, particularly in the summer of 2006, when Hezbollah and Israel engaged in a devastating war that lasted for 33 days, during which Israel bombed the airport multiple times, especially the runways and fuel tanks, rendering it out of service.
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