Lebanon calls emergency security meeting after UNIFIL protest attack

Lebanese officials are convening an emergency session following an assault on a United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) convoy near Beirut’s airport, which resulted in injuries to the outgoing deputy force commander, Major General Chok Bahadur Dhakal. The incident occurred amid protests by Hezbollah supporters against the Lebanese government’s decision to deny landing rights to two Iranian aircraft, a move perceived as succumbing to Israeli allegations of Iran funneling funds to Hezbollah via civilian flights.

UNIFIL reported that during the Friday night attack, one of its vehicles was set ablaze, leading to Major General Dhakal’s injuries as he was en route home after completing his mission. The peacekeeping force has called for a thorough and swift investigation by Lebanese authorities to ensure those responsible are held accountable.

The Lebanese Army has committed to taking decisive measures against the perpetrators and has announced an emergency meeting of the Central Internal Security Council to address the situation. Interior Minister Ahmad al-Hajjar, after visiting the injured UNIFIL officers in the hospital, reiterated the government’s condemnation of the attack.

UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, labeled the assault as unacceptable, emphasizing that such violence jeopardizes the safety of UN personnel dedicated to maintaining Lebanon’s stability. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam also denounced the attack, pledging to apprehend those involved.

The Lebanese Army reported that areas surrounding the airport have experienced demonstrations characterized by vandalism and clashes, including assaults on military personnel and damage to vehicles. Footage circulating on social media depicts protesters, some masked and bearing Hezbollah flags, attacking individuals near the torched UNIFIL vehicle.

This unrest follows Lebanon’s revocation of landing permissions for Iranian flights, a decision influenced by Israeli claims that Iran is using civilian aircraft to smuggle funds to Hezbollah. In retaliation, Iran has barred Lebanese planes from repatriating citizens stranded in Iran, escalating tensions between the two nations.

The ceasefire agreement, effective since November 27, stipulates that the Lebanese military deploys in the south alongside UN peacekeepers as the Israeli army withdraws over a designated period, recently extended to February 18. A senior Israeli security official confirmed readiness to transfer control of these areas to the Lebanese Army within the agreed timeline.

Hezbollah, expected to vacate its southern positions near the Israeli border during this period, has distanced itself from the attack on the UNIFIL convoy. The situation remains volatile, with international stakeholders closely monitoring developments to prevent further escalation.