What it is about
Travelers were seen in long lines at Beirut airport on Sunday as airlines canceled flights and travelers anticipated escalating tensions between Israel and the Hezbollah terror organization.
Why it matters
The possibility of an all-out conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has spurred many, including summer vacationers, to cut their trips short and rush to find alternative flights out of Lebanon. This heightened tension showcases the broader regional impact of Hezbollah’s provocations and Israel’s efforts to neutralize threats.
Context
Since October 8, Hezbollah, backed by Iran, has been launching attacks on Israeli communities and military positions along the border, citing support for Gaza in the ongoing war. Israel has remained vigilant, addressing these threats decisively.
Details
French traveler Joelle Sfeir voiced her frustration from Beirut airport, sharing, “I’m not happy to leave. I wanted to spend the whole summer in Lebanon then go back to work in France.” With her original flight canceled, she, like many others, was forced to rebook and leave prematurely. “I cut my trip short so I could find a flight,” she added.
High Regional Tension
The killing of prominent Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran led to vows of vengeance, intensifying regional instability, especially after Israel’s assassination of Hezbollah’s military chief, Fuad Shukr, in Beirut.
International Response
This heightened threat level prompted several airlines, including Lufthansa and Air France, to delay or suspend flights to Lebanon. Countries like France and the U.S. have issued warnings advising their citizens to leave promptly. The U.S. embassy urged its citizens to take any available flight out of Lebanon.
Impact on Travel Plans
Gretta Moukarzel, a Beirut-based travel agent, expressed the chaos ensuing from these cancellations. “I’ve received a flood of calls from clients who want to leave and who fear being stuck in Lebanon,” she said. Due to increased demand and flight cancellations, many struggle to secure seats, particularly to European destinations.
Cancellations and Postponements
22-year-old Sirine Hakim, who was in Lebanon to see her family, found her journey disrupted. “I was supposed to depart yesterday, but my flight was postponed.” The airports, typically bustling with arrivals during summer, now see fewer loved ones waiting.
Symbolism amidst Conflict
A significant billboard near Beirut’s southern suburbs, a Hezbollah stronghold, exhibited images of the slain Hamas leader, Haniyeh, and Hezbollah’s Shukr, with the message: “We will seek revenge.” Alongside were images of Qasem Soleimani, an Iranian Revolutionary Guards commander killed by a U.S. drone strike in 2020.
The Human Toll
Border clashes have resulted in the deaths of 25 Israeli civilians, 18 IDF soldiers, and reservists. Conversely, Hezbollah reports 391 of its members killed, with additional casualties among other terror groups and civilians within Lebanon, reflecting the severe human cost of ongoing regional violence spurred by Hezbollah’s actions.
This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.