Beirut, Lebanon. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said he would not accept anyone dragging the country into “adventures that threaten its security and unity,” in an indirect message to the Iran-backed armed group Hezbollah. His remarks followed strikes on Iran by Israel and the United States.
Salam’s statement amid regional developments
In a statement released after the strikes, Salam cited “serious developments” in the region and called on “all Lebanese to act with wisdom and patriotism, placing Lebanon and the Lebanese people’s interests above any other consideration.”
“I reiterate that we will not accept anyone dragging the country into adventures that threaten its security and unity,” Salam said in a statement sent to Reuters.
Hezbollah and warnings from Israel
Hezbollah has fought numerous conflicts with Israel since it was established by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards in 1982.
Reuters reported that Israel had warned Lebanon it would strike the country hard, targeting civilian infrastructure including the airport, if Hezbollah becomes involved in any U.S.-Iran war.
Impact of the 2024 war
Israel dealt heavy blows to Hezbollah during a war in 2024, killing its leader Hassan Nasrallah along with thousands of its fighters and destroying much of its arsenal.
How do you think Lebanon’s leaders can keep the country out of wider regional conflict?
