Analyzing the Silence of Israel and the U.S. on Lebanon’s Ban of Iranian Flights to Hezbollah

Israel and the U.S. maintain silence regarding Hezbollah’s accusations of pressure on Lebanon to halt Iranian flights delivering cash to the group. This move aligns with their understated approach to handling regional security matters. The indefinite suspension of Iranian airline operations complicates Iran’s financial support for Hezbollah, while experts recommend alternative routes for cash deliveries. The situation highlights the ongoing complexities surrounding Iran, Lebanon, and Hezbollah amid international sanctions and regional security concerns.

Israel and the United States have remained silent in response to Hezbollah’s claims that they covertly pressured Lebanon to block Iranian flights delivering funds to the group. This silence is indicative of their general approach to regional security issues, according to researchers from the U.S. and Israel. Lebanon suspended landing rights for Iranian airlines on February 13, a move recognized as a security measure concurrent with threats related to Hezbollah’s potential financing from Iran.

Lebanese authorities initially suggested a temporary suspension of five days, which subsequently extended indefinitely. This decision followed an Israeli military warning via social media aimed at preventing the use of civilian planes by Iran’s Quds Force for cash smuggling into Beirut. Although Hezbollah claims this action resulted from Israeli threats, both Israel and the U.S. have refrained from confirming the specific threat regarding attacks on Beirut’s airport.

Hezbollah’s leader, Naim Qassem, reported that the Lebanese government received a warning of an impending Israeli attack if a planned flight, involving Iran’s Mahan Air, were allowed to land. Such claims were further echoed in Iraqi statements blaming U.S. bullying for the cancellation of the flight, which may involve sanctions affecting Lebanon’s interactions with Iran.

In an interaction with media, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun acknowledged that actions against Iranian airlines relate to U.S. and EU-imposed sanctions. Meanwhile, there remains no official comment from the Lebanese Embassy in Washington about any warnings from Israel regarding military strikes on the airport. The silence persists despite inquiries directed towards the U.S. State Department about its communication regarding Israel’s warning.

Experts highlight that Israel’s historical military actions, such as strikes on Syrian airports, sufficiently convey warnings without the necessity for explicit public threats. The U.S. similarly employs discreet channels to communicate with Lebanon, highlighting its opposition to Hezbollah’s influence in the government.

Moreover, researchers note that although restricting Iranian flights complicates cash deliveries to Hezbollah, alternative transportation may still be utilized through Iraqi and Turkish airlines. Challenges in coordinating such movements through third-party nations would, however, complicate logistics significantly. While the Lebanese government is fortifying security measures at its airport, inconsistencies in enforcing these measures reveal potential complications in the ongoing struggle with Hezbollah’s operations.

In summary, the silence of Israel and the United States in the face of Hezbollah’s accusations underscores a strategic choice to manage regional tensions discreetly. Lebanon’s recent suspension of Iranian flights reflects a direct response to both security concerns and international sanctions. Despite these complexities, alternatives remain for Iran to convey funds to Hezbollah, although operational challenges persist. The political dynamics continue to evolve, revealing a delicate balance between regional security and political maneuvering.

Original Source: www.voanews.com