Lebanese Authorities: "Israel Behind Explosion Disaster Is Fake News"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Lebanese authorities have dismissed the rumors suggesting Israel's involvement in the explosion disaster that occurred in the capital, Beirut, calling them fake news. Currently, Lebanese authorities are investigating the exact cause of the accident and stated that it will take about five days.

According to Russia's TASS news agency on the 5th (local time), Muhammad Fahmi, Lebanon's Minister of Interior, said at a press conference, "There are fake news claims that an Israeli plane was seen just before the explosion," adding, "The investigation is being conducted transparently and will take about five days, so please wait for the official investigation results." The Lebanese Army Command also denied any premeditated explosion or attack possibility and stated that the Israel involvement theory is a false rumor.

After the explosion video from a warehouse at Beirut port spread across the Middle East through social networks (SNS), many Arab SNS users, including those in Lebanon, circulated the theory of Israel's involvement. However, Israeli authorities stated immediately after the explosion that Israel had no connection to the incident. On the same day, the Israeli government also announced it would provide urgent humanitarian aid. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in parliament, "We are ready to support Lebanon as human to human," and the Israeli military also stated, "Now is the time to transcend conflict."

Earlier, a massive explosion that started at a warehouse in Beirut port caused buildings and vehicles to collapse simultaneously, damaging more than half of Beirut city. Lebanese authorities revealed during the initial investigation that 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate were stored in the warehouse at the port, which exploded and caused the accident. So far, the accident has resulted in 135 deaths and over 5,000 injuries. More than 300,000 people have also been displaced.