There is no doubt that with the resignation of Lebanese premier Sa’ad Hariri on Saturday, there is an urgent need to ensure security and stability in Lebanon. But what is also important is being clear about where the problem lies — who threatens this security and stability of the tiny nation. The clear answer is Iran, and its proxy armed force in Lebanon, Hezbollah.
True to form, militia boss Hassan Nasrallah promptly gave a speech saying Saudi Arabia was behind Hariri’s resignation. He can give speech after speech blaming everyone except his own organisation and its patron for the situation Lebanon finds itself in, but that will not change the reality.
The fact is that Hezbollah is a state within a state, and does the bidding of Iran, not only in Lebanon but also in neighbouring Syria. Like former prime minister Fouad Siniora said, “The state should be the sole authority in Lebanon,” and Hezbollah is “acting according to Iranian instructions”.
Hariri rightly pointed to the problem in Lebanon, highlighting the suffocating Iranian interference in the internal affairs of the country, both directly and through its proxy. He also implied that his life was under threat.
There now exists the prospect of government paralysis in Beirut following Hariri’s move. Forming a government in Lebanon has always been a complicated process, and there is no reason to believe it will not be the case this time around.
Saudi Arabia has long been Lebanon’s most reliable supporter and partner. Lebanon’s Grand Mufti, Shaikh Abul Latif Al Daryan, was unequivocal in his praise for the kingdom and also suggested that the Lebanese people understood why Hariri had to take the step he took.
“Lebanon is for all its people. Saudi Arabia is keen on the security and stability of Lebanon and wants what is good for Lebanon as it wants good for other Arab countries,” Al Daryan said.
No matter what their public posture, Hezbollah and its backers have been rattled by Hariri’s move. There will be alarm in Tehran that this might be the beginning of the moment Lebanon drifts away from its grip.
United Nations chief Antonio Guterres has also said that all sides should focus their efforts on supporting the continuity of Lebanon’s state institutions, in adherence with the constitution and safeguarding the country’s security and stability. And that is the crux of the matter.
