Lebanon Takes Decisive Stand on Neutrality, Urges Hezbollah to Comply

Asharq Al-Awsat

15 hours ago

In the wake of Israeli airstrikes on Iran, Lebanese officials have taken a unified and firm stance to distance the country from regional escalation. The leadership moved swiftly to contain any fallout, stressing that Lebanon must not be drawn into a new conflict.
Iran-backed Hezbollah, while condemning the Israeli strikes and accusing Tel Aviv of crossing 'red lines,' issued a statement notably free of any threats or promises of retaliation. This restraint marks a shift from the group's more assertive stances in past regional confrontations.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Friday cut short his visit to the Vatican and returned to Beirut. In a statement, he condemned the Israeli strikes on Iran, calling them a direct threat to regional stability and international efforts to preserve peace in the Middle East.
He urged the international community to act swiftly to prevent Israel from achieving its 'clear and dangerous' objectives.
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam echoed the president's concerns, describing the Israeli action as a 'blatant violation of international law and Iran's sovereignty.' Speaking after a high-level security meeting with key ministers and the army commander, Salam stressed the importance of maintaining internal stability amid rising regional tensions.
According to sources speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, the Lebanese government conveyed a 'firm and final' message to Hezbollah through the army leadership: Lebanon must not be dragged into a broader conflict.
The state condemned the Israeli strikes but rejected any response that would endanger national stability. Government sources indicated that Hezbollah appears to be adhering to this directive, at least for now.
A source close to Hezbollah confirmed that the group would not initiate any action against Israel in response to the Iran strikes, framing the situation as an international issue in which Lebanon should not interfere. 'If Lebanon is attacked, the state is responsible,' the source said.
Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri also condemned the Israeli assault, warning of its potential to destabilize the region and urging the international community to take a firm stand 'before it's too late.'