Lebanese leaders rebuke Iran amid Israel-Hezbollah clashes

Lebanese leaders on Friday issued strong rebukes to Iran, calling for an end to its interference in the nation's affairs amid escalating attacks between Israel and Hezbollah. The pointed remarks followed the rejection of a new truce deal by the Iran-backed Hezbollah.

Lebanese state media reported that Israel conducted strikes on over 40 locations Friday, while Hezbollah claimed responsibility for attacks on Israeli troops operating in southern Lebanon. The country was drawn into the broader Middle East conflict on March 2 when Hezbollah launched an attack on Israel, retaliating for the February 28 killing of Iran's supreme leader.

“

Have mercy on our south, stop treating it and its people as merely a bargaining chip.

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam directly addressed Iran's leadership, pleading, "Have mercy on our south, stop treating it and its people as merely a bargaining chip." He emphasized Lebanon's sovereignty, stating, "We are the people of a sovereign nation that refuses to serve as...an open battlefield for their wars." President Joseph Aoun echoed these sentiments in an interview with CNN, asserting, "It's not your country, it's our country. It's not your job to interfere into our country."

“

We are the people of a sovereign nation that refuses to serve as...an open battlefield for their wars.

A truce agreed upon by Lebanese and Israeli envoys in Washington was conditional on a "complete cessation" of Hezbollah fire, without a reciprocal mention of a halt to Israeli attacks. Hezbollah rejected this deal on Thursday, instead demanding a comprehensive ceasefire and a full Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon. Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, an ally of Hezbollah, stated the group would withdraw south of the Litani River if these conditions were met.

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem had previously described the government's engagement with Israel as a "farce," a view disputed by President Aoun. Aoun urged Hezbollah to recognize that "no other way to solve this problem and to save what's left except through negotiation and diplomacy." He also appealed to Israeli leaders, asking, "You need to show some willingness and commitment to end this war...We are committed. Are you?"

“

It's not your country, it's our country. It's not your job to interfere into our country.

Israel has conducted its deepest incursion into Lebanon in two decades. On Friday, Israel warned residents of nine towns and villages to evacuate ahead of anticipated raids. Lebanon's National News Agency reported significant displacement from some villages, followed by subsequent strikes. The Israeli military reported that air raid sirens in the north were triggered by surface-to-air missile launches targeting Israeli Air Force aircraft, but confirmed no injuries or damage.

“

farce