Lebanese Official Demands Arrest of Iranian Ambassador Amid Peace Proposals
LEBANON AT A CROSSROADS: As the IRGC's grip on Beirut slips, the call for "Land for Peace" moves from the fringes to the center of the Lebanese Christian political discourse.
In a televised interview, Ibrahim El Sakr, an official from the Lebanese Forces party, urged the Lebanese Army to surround the Iranian embassy in Beirut and detain the ambassador for interrogation. He accused Iran of directing Hezbollah's operations from the embassy and contributing to Lebanon's destruction over the past two decades.
El Sakr dismissed diplomatic immunity concerns, stating there is "no more diplomacy" with a nation harming Lebanon. He claimed Hezbollah functions as an arm of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and referenced recent events, including what he described as the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei prompting Hezbollah actions.
Additionally, El Sakr called on Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to visit the Israeli Knesset and propose a "peace for land" deal, following a visit to the Saint Charbel Monastery in Annaya. This suggestion echoes the path of former Egyptian President Anwar Sadat.
The comments come amid escalating regional tensions, with President Aoun recently accusing Hezbollah of pushing Lebanon toward collapse to serve Iranian interests and expressing openness to direct negotiations with Israel for border stability and a ceasefire.
El Sakr, speaking as a Christian who has lived through ongoing conflict, stated he refuses to die for figures like Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah or Khamenei (both now eliminated), and implied Iran's agenda aims to destabilize the region, including Gulf countries. Iran has previously warned of retaliation against attacks on its embassies.