Israel intercepts Beirut Airport tower frequency, threatens civilian plane with force
Beirut (Quds News Network)- The Israeli army has reportedly infiltrated the radio frequency of Beirut International Airport’s control tower, threatening an incoming Iranian civilian aircraft. According to Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Works and Transport, the Israeli forces threatened to use force if the plane attempted to land.
Minister of Public Works and Transport, Ali Hamieh, promptly instructed the airport authorities to advise the aircraft not to enter Lebanese airspace or attempt to land, according to Lebanese media.
Despite the escalating tensions and recent Israeli airstrikes on the southern suburbs of Beirut, operations at Beirut International Airport have continued. Local sources confirmed that Middle East Airlines, Lebanon’s national carrier, remains operational.
In response to the situation, Minister Hamieh reaffirmed the civilian status of Beirut’s airport, stating that military aircraft require the Lebanese Army’s approval to land there. His remarks came after Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee issued a statement accusing Hezbollah of using the airport to ‘transport weapons’.
“We will not allow the transfer of weapons to Hezbollah by any means,” Adraee said. “We are aware of the attempts to transport Iranian weapons to Hezbollah, and we are actively preventing them. Our air force continues its operations in the vicinity of Beirut International Airport.”
Adraee emphasized that Israel will not tolerate what he described as ‘hostile flights carrying weapons into the airport’. Despite these claims, Lebanon has denied allowing the transfer of military equipment through the airport.
