The action by Saudi Arabia is a wise one, and aims to achieve the mutual interests of both brotherly nations, said Saudi Arabia’s Al Yaum.

“Hezbollah is not only striving to divide the Arab ranks, but also weaken the Lebanese government, as pointed out by honourable moderate politicians who stated that Hezbollah harms the interests of Lebanon and its people. Saudi Arabia cares immensely about Lebanon’s interests, and it’s fed up with how some Lebanese politicians who support Hezbollah have conducted themselves. This drove Saudi Arabia to take the decision for which Hezbollah and the Free Patriotic Movement shoulder full responsibility. It is in the interest of Saudi Arabia to ensure that Lebanon remains strong and distant from Hezbollah’s propaganda that seeks to harm the interests of the peoples of Saudi Arabia and Lebanon.”

The forceful ripples caused by Saudi Arabia and its Gulf allies’ moves retracting support from Lebanon are still being felt across the country, said Lebanon’s Daily Star.

“March 14 has decided to confront the problem directly, taking the bull by the horns. Its sober and logical announcement on Sunday night reflected the feelings and fears of almost all the Lebanese. Although the coalition did not project any extreme measures, in very clear and forceful words it urged the government to contain and, if possible, roll back the storm that has fallen on the country. Everyone is aware that Lebanon must not shy away from genuine efforts and contacts to redeem the situation, rebuilding an important relationship destroyed by rash and irresponsible policies. Countless Lebanese, both here and abroad, are anxiously waiting to see if, for once, this government can actually govern as it was set up to do”

Lebanon opted not to condemn Iran’s aggression against Saudi Arabia’s Consulate and Embassy in Iran, which excluded the country from the position adopted by Arab nations and a majority of international countries, said UAE’s Al Bayan.

“Iranian tampering in Lebanon through its military arm, Hezbollah, is the source of crises and divisions in Lebanon, and is the reason for the division between Lebanon and its Arab brothers. The UAE’s backing of Saudi Arabia’s decision reflects its keenness to ensure Arab cohesion and solidarity in facing oppressive forces that seek to export revolution and sectarianism and trigger conflicts between Arab countries. The UAE and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, notably Saudi Arabia, took a historic stand with Lebanon, its people and economy. The Gulf nations also host many Lebanese workers. It is quite unfortunate that an insignificant minority is negatively affecting such historic relations.”

With its decision, Riyadh has put the ball in the Lebanese people’s court. If they see their interests lie in moving to the Arab bank and letting go of Iranian hegemony, then it is not hard for them to achieve, said the London-based Pan-Arab Paper Asharq Al Awsat.

“All Arabs know very well that Saudi Arabia has always been supporting Lebanon regardless of the party; it supported the Shiites and Sunnis, the Christians and Muslims, and all the other religions and sects in Lebanon equally... In addition, Shiite regions destroyed by Israel in 2006 were reconstructed by Saudi funds regardless of their opposing political stance towards Hezbollah.No country in the world would accept being backstabbed by a so-called ally, and no country in the world would provide aid to a country that would use [it] in conspiracies, targeting its peace and stability. Riyadh has been patient for so long now, and it found out that the only way to return Lebanon to the Arabs is by issuing this decision.”