BEIRUT – Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam issued a firm warning Saturday, stating he will not tolerate anyone pulling his nation into military conflicts that could jeopardize the country’s stability and cohesion. The statement appeared to be directed at Hezbollah, the Iranian-supported militant organization operating within Lebanon.
Following military strikes conducted by Israel and the United States against Iran, Salam acknowledged the escalating tensions across the region and urged Lebanese citizens to prioritize their homeland above all else. He emphasized the need for wisdom and national loyalty during these turbulent times.
The Iran-backed Hezbollah organization has maintained an adversarial relationship with Israel since Iranian Revolutionary Guards established the group in 1982, engaging in multiple armed confrontations over the decades.
According to recent reports, Israeli officials have issued threats to Lebanon, warning of severe retaliation against civilian targets including airports if Hezbollah becomes involved in any potential conflict between the United States and Iran.
“I reiterate that we will not accept anyone dragging the country into adventures that threaten its security and unity,” Salam declared in his official statement.
During the 2024 conflict, Israel inflicted significant damage on Hezbollah’s operations, eliminating leader Hassan Nasrallah and thousands of militants while destroying substantial portions of the group’s weapons stockpile.
