Purge of Hezbollah from Beirut airport satisfying Israeli, US officials — report

A cease-fire deal requires that Lebanon secures the country’s ports of entry to prevent the flow of arms and related materiel to Hezbollah. Photo: Murat Sengul/Anadolu/Getty Images

| Published May 11, 2025

Officials say staff linked to Iran-backed terror group fired; smugglers detained; new surveillance deployed at Lebanon’s only international airport, located in Hezbollah stronghold

Lebanon’s recent actions to curtail Hezbollah’s influence at Beirut’s Rafik Hariri International Airport are part of a broader initiative to reassert state authority and comply with international mandates. Here’s an overview of the developments:

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Crackdown on Hezbollah’s Airport Operations

Lebanese authorities have revoked security clearances for over 30 airport employees linked to Hezbollah, including baggage handlers and customs officers. This move aims to dismantle the group’s intelligence and smuggling networks within the airport. Additionally, security measures have been intensified, with enhanced surveillance and stricter inspections, particularly on flights from Iran and Iraq, to prevent illicit activities.

 

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Allegations of Weapon Storage and Smuggling

Whistleblowers have alleged that Hezbollah has been storing Iranian-supplied weapons, including missiles and explosives, within airport facilities. These claims have raised concerns about the potential risks to civilian infrastructure and prompted calls for increased oversight.

In a notable incident, Lebanese authorities seized $2.5 million in cash concealed by a traveler arriving from Turkey, suspected to be destined for Hezbollah. This seizure underscores the ongoing efforts to disrupt the group’s financial channels.

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Political and Regional Implications

The election of President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam signifies a shift towards governance that prioritizes state sovereignty and reform. Their administration has committed to enforcing United Nations Resolution 1701, which calls for the disarmament of non-state actors like Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.

Internationally, these reforms have been met with cautious optimism. The United States has expressed support for Lebanon’s efforts to strengthen its institutions and reduce Hezbollah’s influence.

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Hezbollah’s Response and Public Sentiment

Hezbollah has publicly denied allegations of weapon storage at the airport and has criticized the government’s actions as yielding to foreign pressure. Protests by the group’s supporters have occurred, including clashes with the Lebanese army near the airport.

Despite these tensions, public sentiment in Lebanon appears to favor the government’s initiatives to restore state control and ensure national security. The broader context includes a desire to prevent further conflict and to rebuild the country’s economy and infrastructure.

Fire from burning tires burns as Hezbollah supporters face off with Lebanese soldiers during a Hezbollah-organized riot to block the road to the airport in Beirut, Lebanon, February 15, 2025. (Ibrahim Amro / AFP)

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Implications of Lebanon’s Crackdown on Hezbollah at Beirut Airport

1. Strengthening State Sovereignty:

• The Lebanese government’s actions demonstrate a commitment to asserting state control over critical infrastructure.

• This could reduce Hezbollah’s influence over national security and limit its ability to use state facilities for its operations.

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2. Improved International Relations:

• The crackdown aligns Lebanon with U.S. and European expectations for stronger governance and security reforms.

• It may lead to increased foreign aid and diplomatic support, especially from Western nations.

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3. Economic Opportunities and Tourism Recovery:

• Enhanced airport security and transparency can boost Lebanon’s reputation, encouraging tourism and international investment.

• A more secure Beirut Airport may attract new airlines and increase passenger traffic.

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4. Regional Security Dynamics:

• The move could destabilize Hezbollah’s logistics and financial networks, weakening its operational capabilities.

• Israel may see this as a strategic win, reducing the group’s capacity for cross-border attacks.

A Lebanese army officer shows Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, center, an Israeli military position on the horizon, in the southern village of Khiam, February 28, 2025. (Rabih Daher / AFP)

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5. Potential Internal Backlash:

• Hezbollah may retaliate politically or militarily, potentially destabilizing the Lebanese government.

• Protests by Hezbollah supporters could escalate into violent confrontations with security forces.

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6. Risk of Escalation with Iran:

• As a key supporter of Hezbollah, Iran may view Lebanon’s actions as hostile, potentially leading to diplomatic friction.

• Tehran could increase support for Hezbollah or use other means to maintain its influence in Lebanon.

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7. Impact on Lebanese Politics:

• The crackdown may empower reformist leaders like President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam.

• However, it could also deepen divisions between pro-Hezbollah factions and those supporting state sovereignty.

View of a large fire caused by rockets fired from Lebanon, in the northern town of Kiryat Shmona, June 3, 2024. (Ayal Margolin/Flash90)

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Overall Takeaway:

Lebanon’s crackdown on Hezbollah at Beirut Airport is a bold move towards reasserting state sovereignty, gaining international support, and improving security. However, it risks domestic backlash from Hezbollah and potential diplomatic friction with Iran. The success of this initiative will depend on the government’s ability to maintain momentum without triggering internal instability.

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SOURCE: THE TIMES OF ISRAEL – Purge of Hezbollah from Beirut airport satisfying Israeli, US officials — report

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