Lebanese ministers deny accusations of Hezbollah storing weapons at Beirut International Airport, claiming it’s an attempt by Israel to justify attacks

Lebanese officials, seeking to counter allegations made by the British newspaper The Telegraph, organized tours of Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport for journalists and diplomats. The Telegraph had reported that the airport was being used to store weapons. In response, Lebanese Foreign Affairs Minister Abdallah Bou Habib, Public Works and Transport Minister Ali Hamieh, Tourism Minister Walid Nassar, and Information Minister Ziad Makary led the tours to refute these claims.

During the tour, Foreign Affairs Minister Bou Habib asserted that the airport was secure and suggested that the allegations were part of a psychological warfare campaign by Israel to justify its attacks on Lebanon. Public Works and Transport Minister Hamieh echoed this sentiment, calling the articles baseless and part of a broader strategy by Israel to create unrest through media manipulation.

However, the effort to disprove the weapons allegations faced significant scepticism. Despite organizing the tour, officials restricted journalists’ access to key areas of the airport, including the cargo depot, which raised doubts about the transparency of the government’s claims. Al-Hadath journalist Ghinwa Yateem reported that security personnel prevented journalists from entering the cargo centre and filming specific locations. Additionally, reporters were shown a nearly empty warehouse, purportedly responsible for handling 20% of the airport’s import traffic, further fueling suspicion.

The tour included international representatives from the European Union, Germany, Spain, Egypt, China, India, and Pakistan, as well as a UNIFIL forces representative. These delegates inspected the air cargo and import goods centres and were briefed on the airport’s security and customs procedures.

The controversy began when anonymous airport workers informed The Telegraph about unusual shipments arriving from Iran, allegedly overseen by a high-ranking Hezbollah official. These workers claimed that the shipments included “unusual” boxes that arrived in November, sparking the initial allegations of a Hezbollah weapons cache at the airport.

Analysis:

Political: The allegations and subsequent denial by Lebanese officials have significant political implications. The Lebanese government’s response reflects the fragile political environment in Lebanon, where accusations of Hezbollah’s activities can exacerbate tensions with Israel. By framing the allegations as part of an Israeli strategy, Lebanese officials aim to discredit the claims and maintain internal stability. The involvement of high-ranking officials in the tours underscores the government’s commitment to addressing these accusations publicly. However, the restricted access granted to journalists may undermine their efforts and suggest an underlying issue that could be exploited politically by opposition parties or external actors.

Social: Socially, the incident highlights the deep-seated mistrust between different factions within Lebanon and towards external actors. Hezbollah’s significant influence in Lebanon is a contentious issue, and allegations of weapon storage at a civilian airport can stoke public fear and division. The government’s attempt to manage the narrative through controlled tours indicates a desire to maintain public confidence and prevent social unrest. However, the lack of transparency could backfire, leading to increased scepticism and social tension. Public opinion is likely to be divided, with some supporting the government’s stance and others viewing the restricted access as a sign of possible concealment.

Racial: While the incident does not directly involve racial issues, it touches on the broader ethnic and sectarian dynamics in Lebanon. Hezbollah, primarily supported by the Shiite community, is a polarizing entity within the country. Allegations against Hezbollah can deepen sectarian divides, particularly if perceived as part of an external agenda. The government’s handling of the situation will be critical in managing these ethnic and sectarian sensitivities, ensuring that accusations do not escalate into broader communal tensions.

Gender: The incident’s gender implications are less direct but can be considered in terms of representation and public trust in institutions. Ensuring diverse representation in the delegation inspecting the airport and those leading the communication efforts could enhance credibility and public confidence. Women’s involvement in security and political discourse, particularly in high-stakes situations like this, can contribute to more comprehensive and inclusive governance.

Economical: Economically, the allegations and the subsequent response can have significant repercussions for Lebanon. The credibility of Beirut International Airport as a safe and secure hub is vital for international trade and tourism. Any perception of security risks can deter airlines, investors, and tourists, exacerbating Lebanon’s economic woes. The government’s restricted access to journalists, coupled with the allegations of weapon storage, could harm the airport’s reputation, affecting import-export activities and overall economic stability. Transparent handling of the situation is crucial to reassure international partners and maintain economic confidence.