Lebanon is witnessing escalating tensions on multiple fronts, raising serious concerns about its sovereignty. These developments highlight the growing foreign interference in Lebanon’s decision-making and direct Israeli military actions. Recently, three major events have sparked widespread controversy:
- The ban on an Iranian plane landing at Beirut Airport due to U.S. and Israeli pressure.
- The assassination of a Hamas leader in Lebanon by an Israeli drone.
- Israel’s delay in withdrawing from Lebanese territory, despite the ceasefire agreement.
These incidents underscore a dangerous escalation that challenges Lebanon’s independence and places its government under significant international and regional pressure.
🔴 U.S. Prevents Iranian Plane from Landing in Beirut Under Israeli Threat
In a blatant U.S. intervention, Lebanese authorities were forced to deny an Iranian plane landing rights at Beirut International Airport after receiving direct warnings from Washington. According to reliable sources, the U.S. informed Lebanese officials that Israel would target the airport if the plane was allowed to land.
📌 A Direct Violation of Lebanese Sovereignty
🔹 This decision represents a clear breach of Lebanon’s right to make independent decisions, free from foreign pressure.
🔹 The increasing U.S.-Israeli influence over Lebanese policy highlights the country’s limited political independence.
🔹 Hezbollah condemned the move, calling it an “Israeli diktat through Washington” and urging the government to reconsider its stance.
📌 Iran’s Retaliation: Blocking Lebanese Planes from Landing in Tehran
Iran strongly objected to the Lebanese decision. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei stated that Iran hopes to resolve the issue through diplomatic channels. Talks between the foreign ministers of both countries are ongoing to prevent further escalation.
However, in a direct response to Lebanon’s decision, Iran banned two Lebanese planes from landing at Tehran International Airport. This move was seen as an unprecedented diplomatic countermeasure, further escalating tensions between Beirut and Tehran.
This crisis underscores the growing political and economic struggle Lebanon faces, caught between U.S. and Israeli pressure on one side and Iranian influence on the other.
🔴 Assassination of Hamas Commander in Lebanon: Another Israeli Attack
In another significant escalation, an Israeli drone strike targeted a vehicle in Sidon, southern Lebanon, resulting in the assassination of Hamas commander Mohammed Shahin. Shahin was a senior official in the Operations Directorate of Hamas in Lebanon.
📌 The Implications of the Assassination
🔹 Israel claimed responsibility, stating that the operation was conducted in coordination with the Shin Bet (Israeli security agency).
🔹 Israeli reports indicate that Shahin was involved in planning attacks against Israel, allegedly with Iranian backing.
🔹 Lebanese officials denounced the attack, calling it a blatant violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty.
This incident follows the recent assassination of Hamas leader Saleh Al-Arouri in Beirut, further proving that Israel continues to target Palestinian resistance figures on Lebanese soil, raising fears of further military escalations.
🔴 Israel Delays Withdrawal from Lebanese Territories Despite Ceasefire Agreement
Simultaneously, Israel continues to evade its commitments, failing to fully withdraw from several strategic border areas in southern Lebanon, despite the ceasefire agreement signed in November 2024.
📌 Ongoing Occupation Under False Pretexts
🔹 Israel claims that security concerns prevent a complete withdrawal, while continuing military and intelligence operations in Lebanon.
🔹 The Lebanese government has firmly rejected Israel’s delay, calling for international intervention to enforce the agreement.
🔹 Growing fears of renewed conflict if Israel does not comply with its withdrawal obligations.
Israel’s persistent military presence is part of a long history of violations against Lebanese sovereignty, pushing Lebanon to consider diplomatic and military options to defend its borders.
🔴 Lebanon’s Expected Response: Appeal to the UN and Ceasefire Sponsors
Given the increasing violations, Lebanon is expected to escalate the matter diplomatically, including filing a complaint with the UN Security Council over repeated Israeli breaches.
📌 Lebanon’s Diplomatic Options
🔹 Urging the UN Security Council to take action and condemn Israeli violations.
🔹 Calling on ceasefire sponsors to pressure Israel into compliance.
🔹 Strengthening cooperation with UNIFIL and international partners to ensure the full implementation of ceasefire agreements.
The Lebanese government recognizes that Israel is attempting to establish new realities on the ground, requiring firm international intervention to prevent further escalations.
📌 Conclusion: Lebanon’s Sovereignty Under Threat
Lebanon is at a critical juncture, facing U.S.-Israeli political pressure, Iranian countermeasures, and Israeli military aggression.
🔻 Key Takeaways:
✅ U.S. forced Lebanon to deny landing rights to Iranian planes, setting a dangerous precedent.
✅ Iran retaliated by blocking two Lebanese planes from landing in Tehran, escalating the diplomatic crisis.
✅ Israel continues to assassinate Hamas leaders in Lebanon, violating Lebanese sovereignty.
✅ Israel delays its withdrawal from Lebanon, increasing the risk of renewed conflict.
✅ Lebanon is likely to appeal to the UN and ceasefire sponsors, demanding pressure on Israel to comply with agreements.
💬 What’s Next?
As tensions rise, the key question remains: Will Lebanon successfully mobilize the international community against these violations, or will U.S. and Israeli pressure prevent meaningful action?
📌 Stay tuned for more insights on Lebanon’s ongoing developments: https://www.elhodh.info/en/al-hawd-news-2/
