Israel warns Beirut airport could be targeted if Hezbollah joins US-Iran conflict

Lebanon has received warnings that Israel could target public infrastructure in Beirut, including Lebanon's only civilian airport, if Hezbollah becomes involved in a potential US confrontation with Iran, Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi has said.

Speaking in Geneva on Tuesday, Raggi said Lebanese officials had been given indications that Israel could widen its strikes to include key civilian sites in the capital, including Rafik Hariri International Airport, in the event of further escalation.

"Lebanon has received signs that the Israelis could strike civilian infrastructure and maybe the [Beirut] airport," Rajji said.

He stressed that the Lebanese government had made clear it did not want to be drawn into a broader regional war and urged Hezbollah to desist from actions that could expose civilians to further danger.

The warning comes as Israeli forces continue near-daily strikes in Lebanon despite a November 2024 ceasefire.

On Tuesday, Lebanon's army said Israel carried out an attack near a military observation post it is installing in the southern border area of Marjayoun.

A low-flying Israeli drone hovered over the site and issued threats intended to force Lebanese soldiers to withdraw, the report stated.

"The army command issued orders to reinforce the post, remain there, and return fire," the military said in a statement, adding that its forces responded to the incident, but did not say what action was taken. Israel's military did not immediately comment on the incident.

Israel continues to occupy five positions in southern Lebanon in violation of the ceasefire and has intensified strikes in recent days. Lebanese authorities say more than 2,000 Israeli violations were recorded in the last three months of 2025 alone.

The United Nations said in November that over 300 people have been killed in Israeli attacks on Lebanon since the truce took effect, including at least 127 civilians.

On Friday, Israeli strikes in eastern and southern Lebanon killed at least 12 people, including civilians, according to Lebanese officials.

The renewed escalation comes as Washington ramps up pressure on Iran, including increased military deployments to the region and warnings from US officials that force remains on the table.

The US has ordered the departure of non-emergency personnel from its embassy in Beirut, while President Donald Trump has signalled he is weighing military action against Tehran.

Lebanon's government has sought to distance itself from any US-Iran confrontation, warning that further Israeli aggression would have devastating consequences for civilians and critical infrastructure in a country still recovering from last year's war.