Lebanese President Aoun Freezes Talks with Hezbollah
Tensions flare in Beirut as President Joseph Aoun reportedly blocks meetings with Hezbollah leadership following Naim Qassem's latest speech. Sources indicate the Lebanese government is accelerating plans to restrict unauthorized weapons to prevent being dragged into an Iran-U.S. confrontation.
A significant political divide is widening in Lebanon following the latest address by Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem. Informed political sources told the Lebanese newspaper Nidaa al-Watan today (Wednesday) that the speech has severely undermined efforts to stabilize relations between Hezbollah and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun.
According to the report, President Aoun has effectively stalled a planned meeting with Mohammad Raad, head of Hezbollah’s parliamentary bloc. The President is reportedly firm in his stance that Lebanon’s sovereignty cannot be ignored, emphasizing that the exclusive authority to decide on matters of "war and peace" must remain with the state.
Through intermediaries and the office of Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, President Aoun reportedly sent a blunt message to Hezbollah: "The Lebanese arena is gone and will not return." This signal suggests that Lebanon will no longer allow its territory to serve as a frontline support base for Iranian interests.
The report highlights that even Nabih Berri, a long-time ally of Hezbollah, is privately wary. Sources claim Berri offers only verbal solidarity to Tehran, seeking to avoid a "destructive adventure" that would see Lebanon embroiled in a direct conflict between the U.S., Israel, and Iran.
In response to the current escalation:
As reported by Kan 11, the rhetoric in Qassem’s speech has also refocused attention in Israel. Analysts suggest that the threat of Hezbollah involvement may lead to preemptive military considerations aimed at neutralizing the group's capabilities before any potential strike on Iranian targets.