Report: Israel threatened Lebanon – “If Hizbullah joins Iran, it will be hit hard

Against the backdrop of the fear of a confrontation with Iran that would lead to a regional flare-up, today (Tuesday) Lebanon is trying to stem the tide. Messages sent by the Prime Minister of Lebanon to Hezbollah express a clear attempt to avoid another confrontation, the time when concern is growing about the conduct of the organization and the possibility that it will drag the country into a campaign it did not choose.

Israel has already conveyed messages to Lebanon that it will severely damage, including civilian infrastructure in the country, if Hezbollah intervenes in any war between the US and Iran – two senior Lebanese officials told Reuters.

The Lebanese Nidaa al-Watan newspaper reported this morning that the Lebanese state is doing its best to prevent Lebanon from entering a regional war. However, the sources did not hide the difficulty of the situation, especially if the region slides into an all-out conflict beyond a “lightning strike” scenario, that is, quick and decisive action.

Regarding the government’s preparedness, the sources stated that the “strings of the game” are not in the hands of the Lebanese, and that the maximum that can be done is to use diplomatic channels with Washington to try to prevent the danger of the big explosion.

The newspaper reported that the Speaker of the Parliament, Navia Berri, gave the heads of the Lebanese leadership guarantees according to which Hezbollah would not participate in the war in support of Iran if it were attacked by the US, but things should be taken with a limited guarantee.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salem referred to the report in an interview with the Lebanese Nidaa al-Watan and said that the guarantees would be welcomed, if given. However, he did not hide his concern about the conflicting signals between these promises and the public statements of Hezbollah Secretary General Naim Qassem, who stated that the organization will not remain neutral (if Khamenei is attacked).

Salam emphasized that “we have no control over the course of relations between Iran and the United States.” However, he called on Hezbollah not to drag the country into another adventure: “The Gaza adventure has taken a heavy toll on Lebanon and we hope we will not be dragged into another one.”

Regarding the disarmament of Hezbollah, the Lebanese Prime Minister said that the Lebanese government continues with its decision, without hesitation or ambiguity, and considers it an irreversible sovereign choice.

However, he noted that “the pace of implementation north of the Litani River depends on several factors, including the results of the upcoming conference in Paris next month to support the Lebanese Army.” Salam expressed optimism about its chances of success and said that the initiating countries – USA, France and Saudi Arabia are eager to ensure its success.