Israel Retains Strategic Sites in Lebanon Following Troop Withdrawal

Lebanon has denied permission for Iranian flights to land in Beirut twice this week following warnings from the United States that Israel might shoot down these planes, according to a Lebanese security source cited by AFP. The first incident occurred on February 15, when Lebanese authorities informed Iran that a flight scheduled to arrive in Beirut should not take off. Israel has repeatedly accused Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant group, of utilizing Beirut’s airport to transport weapons and funds from Iran. Both Hezbollah and Lebanese officials have denied these allegations. The recent flight bans reflect escalating tensions in the region, particularly amid fears of heightened military action. The situation underscores the complex interplay of regional geopolitics, with Lebanon navigating its relationships with both Iran and Israel while managing domestic security concerns. Further developments are anticipated as regional players respond to the evolving security landscape.

Protests erupted in Beirut on February 14, 2025, as demonstrators blocked access to Lebanon's only commercial airport in response to the cancellation of a passenger flight from Iran. According to Lebanon's state-run National News Agency, protesters expressed anger towards government officials and airport authorities, accusing them of yielding to Israeli pressure to prohibit the flight. The Lebanese civil aviation agency announced that "additional security measures" have led to the temporary rescheduling of some flights, expected to last until February 18, coinciding with a ceasefire deadline between Israel and Hezbollah. Earlier statements from the Israeli military claimed that Iran and Hezbollah were using civilian flights at Beirut Airport to transport funds for terrorist activities aimed at Israel. Furthermore, Lebanon's parliamentary speaker, Nabih Berri, stated that the country has rejected Israel's demand for military presence in five locations in southern Lebanon post-deadline, while confirming that the U.S. has informed Lebanon of Israeli plans to withdraw from occupied villages by February 18.

Israeli forces have failed to fully withdraw from Lebanon by the February 18 deadline set under a ceasefire deal with Hezbollah, according to local security sources. While the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have pulled back from several southern Lebanese villages, they maintain positions in five strategic locations to enforce the ceasefire and protect northern communities. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz stated that the IDF will “forcefully” uphold the ceasefire agreement and ensure Hezbollah vacates areas south of the Litani River. The ceasefire, brokered by the United States and France, initially took effect on November 27, 2024, following a 14-month conflict. Both Israel and Lebanon have accused each other of violating the ceasefire terms, complicating the situation. A Lebanese National News Agency report indicated gradual deployments of Lebanese troops to “liberated towns” as local conditions allow. Despite the tension surrounding the ceasefire, the IDF continues to assert a military presence in Lebanon to prevent any immediate threats.