In a significant development, Israel reportedly hacked into the communication frequency of Beirut Airport’s control tower to issue a warning to an approaching Iranian civilian aircraft. According to An-Nahar, Lebanese caretaker Minister of Public Works, Ali Hamieh, confirmed that the Israeli military intercepted the communication line, threatening to use force unless the plane changed its course.
Israeli Warning to Iranian Plane
Minister Hamieh stated that the swift intervention prevented the aircraft from landing at Beirut’s airport. Speaking to Reuters, he elaborated that Israel directly warned Lebanon’s aviation authorities, indicating that any Iranian plane attempting to land at the airport would be met with military action.
Airline and Flight Details
The aircraft in question was identified by Flight Radar as belonging to “Cashem Airlines,” a company allegedly known for transporting shipments to Lebanon on behalf of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard. This incident marks an escalation in tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, particularly following recent military confrontations.
Escalation After Hassan Nasrallah’s Death
Tensions have been on the rise since Israel officially announced the death of Hezbollah’s Secretary-General, Hassan Nasrallah, during an airstrike on Beirut’s southern suburbs on Friday. Israel’s military has since launched multiple strikes on southern Beirut and the Bekaa Valley, while Hezbollah responded with dozens of rocket attacks aimed at northern and central Israel, as well as the West Bank.
Israeli Military Mobilization
In response to the rising tensions, the Israeli army has called up three reserve battalions to reinforce its Central Command, which covers the occupied West Bank. The military’s statement, reported by Reuters, noted that this move is part of Israel’s preparations for potential escalations as the Jewish holidays approach—a period that historically sees increased tensions in Jerusalem and the West Bank, especially amidst ongoing violence due to Israel’s military operations in Gaza.
The Israeli military’s statement read, “Based on the situation assessment, three reserve battalions have been called up for operational activities to bolster defenses in the Central Command.”
