Lebanese television channel Al-Jadeed published a story about yesterday’s incident at Rafik Hariri International Airport in Beirut. A delegation from Iran, led by adviser to Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and former parliament speaker Ali Larijani, refused to undergo customs inspection and reveal the contents of their luggage. Lebanese customs officials and security forces blocked the delegation from seeking verification.
At the same time, a draft conflict resolution plan presented by the United States is being discussed in Lebanon. According to Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, the 13-point document includes the transfer of control of southern Lebanon to the Lebanese army following the withdrawal of Israeli troops. UNIFIL will assist in this process.
Berri noted that Lebanon was preparing an official response with comments, but rejected the idea of creating a commission to monitor the implementation of Resolution 1701 under the auspices of the United States. He stressed that these functions are already performed by UN peacekeepers and no new mechanism is required.
Meanwhile, Lebanese journalist Hussein Abdul-Hussein spoke about the contents of the Iranian delegation’s luggage. He claimed that the purpose of Larijani’s visit was to replenish Hezbollah’s coffers with $150 million in cash.
“Iranian officials regularly bring money to Hezbollah,” Abdul-Hussein said. “These visits were made possible by the Biden administration unfreezing Iranian energy revenues.”
The journalist also noted that in November, Hezbollah used Iranian money to pay compensation to displaced Lebanese. Families of four received $300 and single people received $100.
Abdul-Hussein emphasized that Hezbollah’s financing comes in the context of extreme poverty in Iran itself and the depreciation of the national currency. At the same time, the Iranian regime uses funds to support its “empire” in the Middle East.
Regarding the conflict at the airport, a Lebanese journalist reported that the head of airport security, General Fadi Kfouri, ordered the closure of the VIP lounge, blocking the entrances and exits. It remains doubtful whether the money was confiscated, but information about the contents of the luggage was leaked.
The detail of the Islamists #Iran official visit of Ali Larijani #Lebanon collided with Lebanese security at Beirut airport. The Lebanese wanted to inspect the Iranians’ luggage (bags of cash with $150 million destined for Hezbollah). The Iranians refused. Beirut Security Chief Brigade.… pic.twitter.com/FI0B2bohDB
– Hussain Abdul-Hussain (@hahussain) November 15, 2024
