UN Peacekeeper Injured as Lebanon Airport Protests Turn Violent
Executive Summary
A senior UN peacekeeper was injured after a UNIFIL convoy was attacked near Beirut airport amid escalating protests over Lebanon’s decision to block Iranian flights. Hezbollah supporters and allied groups mobilized in response to allegations that Iran has been smuggling funds to Hezbollah via civilian flights. The Lebanese government, facing Israeli and Western pressure to curb Hezbollah’s financial networks, has sought to maintain order while balancing domestic and geopolitical tensions.
Analysis
UN Convoy Attack and Airport Protests
The attack on the UNIFIL convoy underscores growing instability in Lebanon. Videos circulating online show protesters, many carrying Hezbollah-affiliated yellow flags, torching a UN vehicle and assaulting peacekeepers. The injured deputy commander of UNIFIL was en route to Beirut airport when the convoy was ambushed. UNIFIL condemned the attack, calling it a violation of international law that could amount to a war crime.
The violence stems from Lebanon’s decision to bar Iranian flights, particularly those operated by Mahan Air and Iran Air, following Israeli accusations that Tehran has been using commercial flights to smuggle cash to Hezbollah. The ban has stranded dozens of Lebanese nationals in Iran, fueling anger among Hezbollah supporters.
Hezbollah’s Influence and Regional Ramifications
Hezbollah and its political allies have framed the flight restrictions as “Israeli interference” in Lebanese sovereignty. Protesters blocked roads leading to Beirut airport, chanting slogans against the Lebanese government and the United States. Some reports claim that Lebanese security forces fired tear gas and live rounds to disperse the crowds.
Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam defended the flight ban, citing security concerns, while attempting to de-escalate tensions by negotiating the return of stranded Lebanese citizens. However, his statement that the UNIFIL attack “will not speed up Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon” suggests that Beirut is struggling to assert control amid competing internal and external pressures.
Israel’s Role and Future Escalations
The Israeli military claims Iran’s Quds Force has successfully smuggled funds despite the flight ban. This suggests that while Lebanon’s decision may be an attempt to limit Hezbollah’s financial inflows, enforcement remains a challenge.
Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) continue military operations in southern Lebanon, violating the ceasefire by targeting Hezbollah positions and civilian infrastructure. Hezbollah-affiliated media have accused UNIFIL of turning a blind eye to Israeli aggression while cracking down on protests against the flight ban.
With Hezbollah’s mobilization and Lebanon’s government attempting to navigate a precarious balance between Iran, Israel, and Western allies, further confrontations—either at Beirut airport or along the Israeli border—are likely in the coming weeks.
