The big picture:
An Iranian airliner was prohibited from landing at Beirut International Airport on Thursday morning. The Lebanese Prime Minister made this decision after receiving a phone call from Israel, which warned that it would bomb the airport runway if the plane landed. The Prime Minister stated that the move to prevent the plane from landing was intended to protect civilians.
Why it matters:
Iran-Lebanon ties are strong and strategic in the region. Yet, the decision to ban Iranian airlines reflects Lebanon's weakness in protecting its sovereignty.
Context:
U.S. envoy Morgan Ortagus stated after her meeting with President Joseph Aoun in Beirut on Friday, February 7, that Hezbollah should be excluded from Lebanon's future government. She emphasized that the inclusion of Hezbollah is a "red line" for Washington.
What he's saying:
Sheikh Naeem Qasem: "After it was assumed we were not to be part of the government, we are comfortable with the completion of the formation of the cabinet as it is a constitutional necessity."
- It is the state's responsibility to rebuild the country.
- Hezbollah is committed to cooperation for the reconstruction of the country.
- Hezbollah will remain with the people and will not abandon them.
- The government should appoint administrative positions based on competition rather than quotas.
- The U.S. orchestrates Israel's actions to further America's expansionist goals.
- If any nation is serious about confronting U.S.-Israeli expansionism, we will help in any way deemed necessary.
- Hezbollah is an integral part of achieving national consensus.
Go deeper:
Lebanon's Hezbollah Calls for Gathering Near Beirut's Airport
Beirut Rally Protests U.S. Official's Remarks Against Hezbollah
Mohammad Kazemi
