Israel Says Iran Constructing Airport in South Lebanon

Facts

• Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant alleged Monday that Iran is constructing an airport in southern Lebanon next to the border village of Birket Jabbour to use as a platform to launch attacks against Israel.¹
• At a security conference near Tel Aviv, Gallant claimed Iran has been building a runway that cuts through forested mountains just 12 miles from Israel’s northern border. He also provided satellite photographs that he claimed showed the site.²
• Gallant further claimed that the images show 'the Iranian flag flying over the runways, from which the ayatollah regime plans to operate against the citizens of Israel.'³
• Satellite images from Planet Labs taken on July 28 and acquired by the Associated Press appear to show work on a 3.9K-foot runway alongside four hangars constructed on a tarmac. Other images taken in January appeared to show the same runway largely unpaved.²
• Neither Hezbollah, a powerful Iranian-backed political party and armed group, nor Iranian officials commented on Gallant's remarks.¹
• This comes as tensions along the border have continued this summer, with Hezbollah, which has a strong presence in south Lebanon and has fought multiple wars with Israel, accusing Israel of erecting a wire fence and cement wall near a contested border town. Israel has also accused Hezbollah of setting up tents on the Israeli side.⁴

Sources: ¹Reuters, ²Associated Press, ³The times of israel and ⁴The national.

Narratives

• Pro-Israel, as provided by Jerusalem post. Iran is building a threatening airport right on Israel's doorstep. Hezbollah knows full well that this is a major escalation and that Israel will respond to any threat. For Lebanon's sake, Hezbollah and Iran should avoid such provocative moves.
• Pro-Iran, as provided by Al mayadeen english. Hezbollah need not comment on security matters regarding its resistance to Israel, given that its military has made Lebanon the safest country in the region from Israeli aggression. The axis of resistance, which protects the interests of both Lebanon and the wider Arab world, will continue to strengthen its capabilities.