Saudi-Emirati Rivalry Extends to Lebanon Amid Regional Tensions
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, Saudi Arabia‘s envoy Yazeed bin Farhan has expressed Riyadh’s dissatisfaction with Lebanese allies maintaining negative neutrality in regional affairs. Tensions escalated after Lebanon joined the UAE in refusing to sign Arab-Islamic statements condemning Tel Aviv’s recognition of Somaliland separatists.
Al-Akhbar revealed Saudi suspicions that UAE’s deepening ties with Lebanese factions—including the Lebanese Forces Party, Al-Kataeb, and MP Fouad Makhzoumi—have hindered clear pro-Saudi positions on Yemen. Riyadh reportedly views Abu Dhabi’s political, security, and media networks in Lebanon as deliberate attempts to sway Beirut’s alignment.
The rivalry intensifies as Saudi Arabia seeks to prevent spillover into Lebanon and Syria, while its recent reconciliation with Qatar adds complexity to Gulf power dynamics.
