What it is about

Flights to and from Beirut’s Rafic Hariri International Airport have been canceled or delayed amid escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah. German airline Lufthansa has suspended several routes operated by the group’s carriers, Swiss International Air Lines, Eurowings, and Lufthansa.

Why it matters

The cancellations come in response to heightened security concerns after a rocket strike in the Golan Heights, which tragically claimed the lives of 12 teenagers and children. This incident raises the specter of a larger conflict between Israel and the Iranian-backed Hezbollah, potentially affecting the stability of the region.

In an Abundance of Caution

Lufthansa’s decision to suspend flights until July 30 highlights the seriousness of the situation. The carrier cited an “abundance of caution” in response to regional tensions, Aligning themselves with other airlines, including Turkish Airlines and Ethiopian Air, which have also canceled or delayed flights.

The Bigger Picture

The Israeli security cabinet has authorized a response to the rocket attack, as Israel seeks to defend itself and its citizens from threats posed by Hezbollah, a group that has repeatedly targeted Israeli territory. Notably, Hezbollah has denied responsibility for the attack, the deadliest since Hamas’ October assault.

Impact on Lebanon

Beirut’s sole international airport, which has previously been a target during civil conflicts and the 2006 Hezbollah-Israel conflict, is now experiencing disruptions to normal flight schedules. Middle East Airlines (MEA) attributes these new delays to technical and insurance-related issues, illustrating the broader disruption the region faces amid the conflict.

Bottom Line

The suspension of flights and increased hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah underscore the precarious balance of power in the Middle East. As Israel continues to defend its territories, regional travel and security dynamics remain volatile.

This story was first published on ynetnews.com.