• Lebanon has blocked an Iranian airline from flying to Beirut following Israeli accusations.
• Israel claims Iran uses civilian flights to deliver funds to Hezbollah during a ceasefire.
• Lebanon’s aviation authority plans to implement additional security measures at its airport.

Lebanon recently **blocked an Iranian passenger flight** from entering Beirut after Israeli authorities accused Iran of using civilian air travel to deliver cash to the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. The Mahan Air flight was canceled before takeoff as Lebanese authorities stated they had not granted permission for its landing, as reported by VOA News.

This cancellation followed statements made by Israeli military spokesman Avichay Adraee, who accused Iran’s **Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)** Quds Force of exploiting civilian flights for smuggling money intended to bolster Hezbollah activities against Israel. Adraee claimed that despite efforts to monitor such transactions through a U.S.-led group overseeing the ceasefire established on November 27, Iran had successfully transferred some funds to the militant group.

Hezbollah has vehemently denied these claims, asserting that the **Beirut airport** is under the Lebanese government's control and that such accusations are baseless. Hezbollah official noted that these allegations are part of ongoing efforts to discredit their organization, labeling the Israeli statements as fabrications.

The chief executive of Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport confirmed that the Mahan Air flight was grounded due to a lack of authorization from Beirut. Amidst the confusion, passengers were seen waiting in the airport's departure area, visibly frustrated by the sudden flight cancellation.

In response to these tensions, Lebanon's Directorate General of Civil Aviation announced that it would be implementing additional security measures and asked some airlines to **temporarily reschedule flights**. Lebanon's government is collaborating with its national carrier, Middle East Airlines, to facilitate the return of stranded passengers.

This incident marks a significant shift in Lebanon’s approach, as it has not previously blocked a flight from Mahan Air since the resumption of services following the ceasefire. The action reflects increasing Israeli scrutiny over Iranian flights to Lebanon, highlighting the strained dynamic in the region following the conflict that erupted in October 2023.

The conflict has seen Hezbollah engage in cross-border assaults, reportedly in solidarity with the Palestinian group Hamas, inflaming tensions between Lebanon and Israel. The ongoing ceasefire agreement also obligates Lebanon to prevent armed group activities and regulate the flow of materials crossing its borders, although it does not specifically address cash transfers.

As the situation develops, analysts have warned that consistent actions from Lebanon are crucial. Matthew Levitt from the Washington Institute emphasized that if Lebanon continues to block flights and set rigorous inspection protocols, it could demonstrate a firmer assertion of its sovereignty over its airspace. However, past inconsistencies remain a concern for observers.

For more detailed analysis on the recent events surrounding Hezbollah and Israeli allegations, visit Newsweek and BBC.