In mid-April, Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun stated that negotiations and not force would disarm Hizballah. Although how this could be done was a mystery, President Aoun stated that “civil peace is a red line.” It didn’t seem realistic that Lebanon could control Hizballah, even in light of the fact that Israel has drastically weakened the jihad group.
Aoun’s declaration appeared unrealistic because of the heavy influence of Hizballah in Lebanon, from its political and military might to social services network, as well as its ability to obstruct the workings of the Lebanese government. Nevertheless, back in January, Aoun and Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam challenged Hizballah: “Aoun and Salam have both spoken about the state having a monopoly on weapons and deploying to southern Lebanon, a clear message to Hezbollah that its military supremacy may be over.”
Now, Aoun and Salam are finally making good on their threats, in this precedent-setting wave of actions against Hizballah. The Lebanese government is showing a new level of confidence, demonstrating that it can act and withstand whatever response Hizballah may make to its actions.
“Lebanon purges Hezbollah staff from Beirut airport in fatal blow to terror group’s smuggling – WSJ,” Jerusalem Post, May 10, 2025:
Dozens of staff members at Beirut airport with ties to Hezbollah have been fired as the new government works to crack down on the terror group at one of its main import hubs, the Wall Street Journal reported on Saturday, citing senior Lebanese security and military officials.
While laws have existed for some time, the officials noted that they had finally begun being enforced, resulting in the arrests of numerous smugglers.
Ground crew members told the WSJ that, unlike in the past, no planes or passengers have been exempt from searches, and flights from Iran have been suspended since February.
“You can feel the difference,” Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said in an interview with the WSJ. “We’re doing better on smuggling for the first time in the contemporary history of Lebanon.”
Lebanon has previously denied reports that Hezbollah has an arsenal stored at the airport – claiming the media had been influenced by Israel.
Anonymous airport workers claimed to the Daily Telegraph that Hezbollah was holding a weapons cache at the airport. One worker said that in November, “unusual” boxes arrived from Iran and that a high-ranking Hezbollah official was overseeing the customs shipments……
Big Dude says
Next stage. Peace and trade with Israel. And then back to being the Paris of the middle east .. and partner in the Abraham Accord. Gds blessing
Nina says
These people are completely defective, instead of following the example of the smarter Israel and annexing parts of Syria, they attack Israel. Defective people.
Mike says
The proof will be when Lebanese Christian or Sunni cab drivers are allowed to pick up or drop off passengers at the airport.