This move signifies an attempt to restore sovereignty on strategic state institutions, improve international relations, and to tighten national security. However, the government takes a risk of a confrontation with Hezbollah, as expressed in protest demonstrations that have already occurred in response to restrictions at the Beirut airport.
In the background of political instability in Lebanon, there are quite a few reports of the attempts to shake the new Lebanon government from the terrorist organization, especially in light of the US pressure to dismantle Hezbollah kissed as soon as possible. The last move allows the Lebanese government to broadcast to the international community it takes real steps to limit Hezbollah’s power.
According to a source at the airport, which was interviewed by the “A-Shark al-West” newspaper, over 30 employees received messages about expiring their security and refusing to renew. The decision applies to a variety of roles, including porters who help passengers, loads and discharge of aircraft, and work in a cargo test and losses and reality. The source added that the decision surprised the employees, especially those operating at the airport for many years with unlimited access inside the facility.
According to the newspaper, this move is designed to improve the security of the airport and reduce Hezbollah effect to the lowest possible level. The source described the workers who were fired as “the party’s eyes and ears within the airport, which provides a constant flow of intelligence on the movement of passengers.”
The source also revealed that Hezbollah had previously exerted pressure to ensure the deal and access to its supporters, ensuring that only people approved by the group could receive such permits. “Hezbollah expanded his control over the airport for decades,” the source added.
The operation comes following the recently imposed ban on landing Iranian civilian aircraft at the International Airport Rafik Hariri, along with more rigorous trunk for passengers who come from Iraq or those who pass through a third state from Iran. These measures were introduced after the authorities discovered unjustified cash, suspected of being Iranian covers intended for Hezbollah.
The restrictions aroused protests from Hezbollah supporters, who held widespread demonstrations last February, blocked access to the airport and caused disruptions on flight schedules. The effort to limit Hezbollah’s reach exceeds civilian workers. A security official told “Shark al-West” that the purification would also affect security personnel within the airport units, including customs officials, internal security forces (ISFs) and general security officers.
These changes were described by the senior official as a “significant security jerk” designed to replace the suspected employees with Hezbollah. The reorganization process relies on internal changes that occur in parallel with the Lebanese security agencies. The senior has made it clear that the new security managers appointed to their positions are now holding a comprehensive understanding of the situation, emphasizing that the close ration rounds of manpower will undoubtedly include the units deposited on airport activity.
This is a symbolic and act that expresses the Lebanese government’s experience to regain control of strategic state institutions, such as the International Airport, which have been under the strong influence of Hezbollah for years. The moves have a risk of deepening the internal and friction tension with Hezbollah, which already affects stability in the country.