A second plane originating from Iran was thoroughly searched at Beirut International Airport on Friday, without causing any problems similar to those which erupted the previous day on arrival of the Iranian Mahan Air plane.
Speaking in a television interview, caretaker Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi pointed out: “We only want to protect Lebanon. These searches are routine measures. We are applying the law and protecting the airport and Lebanon, which can no longer withstand further Israeli attacks.”
The truce agreement between Lebanon and Israel includes measures designed to prevent Hezbollah from rebuilding its military arsenal. This explains the strict control applied by the Lebanese authorities at the airport through which Iranian arms and money were reaching Hezbollah.
The day before, the search of a Mahan Air aircraft caused a stir in Hezbollah circles, sparking protests and prompting Iranian diplomacy to make clarifications.
General Security officers conducted a thorough search of the Mahan Air plane on Thursday evening, despite objections from an Iranian Embassy employee.
The man vehemently protested the search of his bag, citing diplomatic immunity
Nevertheless, airport security officers insisted on retaining the suitcase at the airport and seizing its contents until the diplomat complied with the search.
Mawlawi confirmed that evening to MTV channel that the Iranian plane was undergoing inspection, emphasizing that the airport security service was executing its directives meticulously.
This incident provoked reactions among Hezbollah affiliates. Videos circulating online depicted numerous motorcyclists brandishing Hezbollah flags and roaming the streets near the airport.
In a video aired on al-Manar, an individual at the airport confronted security personnel, declaring, “This is not Tel Aviv airport. This has turned into Tel Aviv’s airport.”
According to a report on the X platform, the military deployed tanks on the road leading to the airport to prevent Hezbollah bikers from entering.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates received a written explanation from the Iranian Embassy in Lebanon on Thursday evening concerning the contents of two small diplomatic pouches carried by the Iranian diplomat.
According to the note, the bags contained documents and money intended exclusively for operational expenses and for embassy use.
The bags were admitted in compliance with the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
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