Lebanon and Israel reportedly deny possible targeting of Beirut airport

An Israeli official has reportedly denied a claim by Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji that Israel would target civilian infrastructure across Lebanon if Hezbollah decided to support Iran in a possible war, threatened by U.S. President Donald Trump.

The official told Al-Arabiya news channel Tuesday that targeting Lebanese state institutions is not among Israel's objectives.

Rajji had told journalists in Geneva that Lebanese authorities had appealed to Hezbollah not to respond in any way that could trigger "bad situations" for Lebanese civilians. He said Lebanon has received signs that the Israelis could strike civilian infrastructure and maybe the airport.

Presidential sources denied these claims too. They told local al-Joumhouria newspaper, in remarks published Wednesday, that Lebanon has not officially received from any mediator or diplomat such a warning about Israel's intention to strike the airport or any other infrastructure.

The sources said that Rajji had not notified the state, the president or the speaker about these warnings, adding that such declarations are not supposed to be communicated via media statements.

"The Minister bears full responsibility for his statements," the sources said, dismissing Rajji's remarks as mere "fearmongering."

The Progressive Socialist Party said in a statement that the blatant contradiction between Rajji's remarks and Israel's response is "surprising". "The stark contrast raises question marks," the PSP said.