Beirut Airport Missile Cache Allegations Fuel Fears Amid Hezbollah-Israel Tensions

On Sunday, The Telegraph published an article online suggesting that Hezbollah was storing Iranian missiles and explosives at Beirut airport. This claim raised concerns about potential security threats, especially amid escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah. However, Lebanese officials strongly denied these allegations during a press visit organized for diplomats and journalists on Monday.

According to airport staff and sources, there is a suspected weapons cache within the airport premises where various Iranian-made weapons are stored. These weapons include artillery rockets, ballistic and anti-tank missiles, as well as short-range ballistic missiles. The article also mentioned the presence of senior Hezbollah members at the airport, raising suspicions among whistleblowers about corruption and threats to their families.

Lebanese officials immediately refuted the allegations and invited diplomats and journalists to visit the airport to dispel rumors. They showcased various warehouses containing goods from Iran and other destinations, emphasizing that the airport met international standards. The Transport Minister led the visit and condemned the article as part of a “psychological war” against Lebanon.

Despite denials from Lebanese officials, concerns persisted over the alleged presence of Hezbollah weapons at the airport. Israel has accused Hezbollah of converting rockets into precision missiles near Beirut airport in recent years. The escalation in cross-border tensions between Hezbollah and Israel has heightened fears of a broader conflict, with Israeli authorities warning of potential civilian casualties if Hezbollah targets Israeli civilians again.

While Hezbollah did not comment on the allegations directly, Israeli authorities reiterated their stance against storing weapons near civilian neighborhoods. The history of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has added to anxiety surrounding this situation. Despite ongoing tensions, passengers have continued to arrive at Beirut airport for summer travel, dismissing reports of weapons caches while emphasizing their belief in Lebanon’s safety and hospitality.

In conclusion, while Lebanese officials strongly denied claims that Iranian missiles were being stored at Beirut airport by Hezbollah, concerns about potential security threats persisted among passengers traveling through the region’s busiest hub during peak season.