Lebanon blocks Iranian civilian plane from landing after Israeli warning

Lebanese authorities on Saturday requested that an Iranian civilian plane avoid entering the country's airspace after Israel threatened to use force against it, local TV channel MTV reported. Israel warned the air traffic control at Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport that it would use "force" if the plane landed, according to the report. Following the Israeli warning, Lebanese Minister of Public Works and Transport Ali Hamieh informed the airport that the plane should not land or enter Lebanese airspace. No further details were provided on the incident. The incident occurred amid ongoing intensive Israeli airstrikes on Hezbollah's headquarters and strongholds. Since October of last year, Hezbollah has exchanged fire with Israel along the Lebanese-Israeli border to show its support for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. Both Hezbollah and Hamas maintain close ties with Iran. Source: The Namibia Press Agency