Hezbollah supporters gathered on Saturday afternoon on the Imam Khomeini Avenue, near the old airport road, in response to a public sit-in called for by the party at 4:00 PM.
Hezbollah, who called for a peaceful gathering, stated that the demonstration was organized to “condemn Israeli interference, imposed conditions and the violation of national sovereignty.”
The protesters carried Lebanese flags, Hezbollah banners, and images of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah. They chanted slogans condemning Israeli-American intervention, including “America, the mother of terrorism” and “Death to America.”
The Lebanese army deployed heavily at the entrance of Rafic Hariri International Airport, taking precautionary measures amid heightened security concerns. Protesters continued to rally under strict surveillance.
A group of protesters attempted to block the patrol’s passage, but Lebanese army intelligence personnel intervened to secure its route toward the Beirut airport and disperse the demonstrators.
Simultaneously, the Lebanese army deployed heavily at the airport entrance, preparing for potential security escalations as protests continued under strict security measures.
The Traffic Management Center reported that both directions of the old airport road under the Kokodi Bridge had been blocked.
Tensions escalated at the protest site, with clashes erupting between Lebanese army forces and demonstrators. Security forces fired tear gas canisters in an attempt to disperse the protesters on the airport road.
Hezbollah Official Mahmoud Qomati's Speech
During the rally, Mahmoud Qomati, a member of Hezbollah's political council, addressed the crowd, denouncing what he described as “the humiliation of the Lebanese state.”
He accused the government of submitting to American influence and Israeli diktats, emphasizing that Hezbollah would not accept this form of subjugation.
He also condemned the recent decision to prevent an Iranian plane from landing at Beirut airport, calling it “an insult to Lebanese sovereignty and dignity and a clear sign of submission to Israeli threats.”
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam’s Response
In a press conference at the Presidential Palace following his meeting with President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam addressed the situation, stating that the Lebanese government is “in direct communication with Iranian authorities.”
He stressed that the primary concern is to ensure the swift return of Lebanese citizens from Tehran. Salam also reaffirmed that the security of the Beirut airport is “a top priority,” warning that the government would “not tolerate any breaches of safety.”
Regarding the attack on UNIFIL, he underscored the force’s role as a stabilizing presence in southern Lebanon, emphasizing that Lebanon needs its continued presence.
He condemned the assault on the peacekeepers, calling it “a crime against the country.” He also dismissed the notion that such incidents would accelerate an Israeli withdrawal, asserting that “those who believe so are mistaken.”
Other incidents
In the wake of the tensions that marked the sit-in by Hezbollah supporters on the airport road, various incidents necessitated the intervention of the Lebanese army, including the blocking of the Ring Bridge and Saeb Salam Avenue roads with burning tires.
The Lebanese army carried out raids and arrests in Burj al Barajneh in connection with the incidents on the Beirut airport road.
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