Lebanese Minister of Public Works and Transport Ali Hamieh directed Beirut International Airport to prevent an Iranian plane heading to the airport from entering Lebanese airspace, in response to Israeli threats. The Lebanese Ministry of Public Works and Transport stated in a statement: "The Israeli army penetrated the waves of the Beirut Airport control tower, and warned of the landing of an Iranian civilian plane heading to the airport, threatening to use force." A source in the Lebanese Ministry of Transport confirmed in a press statement: "Israel warned the Lebanese Aviation Control Authority that it would use "force" if any Iranian plane lands at Beirut Airport." In the same context, Israeli Channel 12 reported, quoting its sources, that the Iranian plane heading to Beirut had turned back. According to Hebrew media, the Israeli army hacked into the communications networks at Beirut airport and threatened to resort to force if the Iranian plane lands. For its part, the Israeli army warned earlier tod ay that it would not allow aircraft carrying weapons to land at Beirut airport. Israeli army spokesman Daniel Hagari said: "Israeli Air Force aircraft are patrolling the area of Beirut airport," noting that "the Lebanese state, unlike Syria, has acted responsibly over the years and has not allowed weapons to be transported through civilian airports." He added: "We emphasize that we will not allow armed hostile aircraft to land at the civilian airport, and we emphasize that this airport is intended for civilian use only, and must remain so." Source: National Iraqi News Agency