Lebanese Foreign Minister Takes Stance Against Hezbollah, Cites Iranian Influence

According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib, in an interview with Le Journal du Dimanche, asserted that the Lebanese government voted for the disarmament of Hezbollah and the invalidation of all its military operations over a year and a half ago. He emphasized that the issue lies with Hezbollah, not with the Shiite population in Lebanon.

Bou Habib claimed that Hezbollah is effectively Iranian, not Lebanese, citing the group’s self-identification as the “Islamic Resistance in Lebanon” rather than the “Lebanese Resistance.” He further stated that the primary objective is the disarmament of Hezbollah, which he described as currently being in the minority.

The minister contended that the Lebanese army possesses the necessary capabilities and that Hezbollah has been significantly weakened militarily, with its ballistic reserves posing no serious challenge to the government. He made no mention of Hezbollah’s role in expelling Israeli forces from Lebanese territory.

Regarding the role of the United States in implementing the recent agreement with Israel, Bou Habib indicated that Washington holds considerable influence over Tel Aviv, which prompted Lebanon to welcome its mediating role. He added that the U.S. has stated that the finalization of the agreement obligates all parties to its full implementation.

The report highlighted that the agreement signed by the Western-aligned government in Beirut with the Israeli regime has not halted Israeli aggressions and, in fact, solidifies Israel’s occupation of territories.