The Israeli Air Force ordered an Iranian Mahan Air plane, suspected of transporting weapons for Hezbollah and bound for Syria, to turn around, enforcing the ceasefire agreement. Fighter jets circled the aircraft as a warning, and the plane complied, heading back east.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) instructed the Iranian plane to return after it was slated to land in Syria, according to a report on Sunday. This operation marked a key shift in focus to Syria, rather than Lebanon. Israeli jets flew close to the aircraft, signaling their readiness to intercept if necessary.
A “letter of assurances” within the ceasefire deal with Lebanon commits the U.S. to work with Israel to counter Iran’s destabilizing activities, including halting the transfer of weapons and proxies from Iranian territory.
Meanwhile, the IDF remained active in Lebanon, citing violations of the ceasefire. Paratroopers from the 98th Brigade encountered armed terrorists near a church in southern Lebanon, which Hezbollah had used for operations. The soldiers eliminated the terrorists, who had been involved in anti-tank, artillery, and ground defense activities. Following the operation, the IDF uncovered a weapons cache hidden near the church.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz addressed the situation on Sunday, speaking with new recruits at the Armored Corps induction center. Netanyahu emphasized that Israel is closely monitoring developments in Syria and will strictly enforce the ceasefire. “Any violation will be met with a decisive response,” he said. “We will continue to protect Israel’s security and uphold the achievements of the war.”
