BEIRUT: Hezbollah has opened a new front in its confrontation with the Lebanese state, with Mahmoud Qamati, deputy head of the group's political council, threatening to prevent aircraft from landing at Beirut's Rafik Hariri International Airport if the government's measures targeting Iranian flights continue.
Qamati's remarks came as Hezbollah stepped up its criticism of the government's policy, particularly its commitment to the framework agreement and indirect negotiations with Israel, while rejecting any attempt to separate Lebanon's course from Iran's.
In an interview with Hezbollah's Al-Manar television channel, Qamati said the issuance of visas to Iranian nationals and diplomats had nearly come to a halt, adding that Iranian aircraft were still barred from landing at Beirut airport. He argued that the government's measures were targeting Iran and its representatives in Lebanon.
Qamati said Hezbollah had so far shown patience in seeking a solution but would resort to “many peaceful methods” if the situation continued.
“Then no aircraft will land in Beirut, and no ambassador will remain in Lebanon,” he said.
