A senior Lebanese official warned that Hezbollah could attempt to assassinate Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, as Beirut continues efforts to weaken the terror organization.
Speaking to Ynet reporter Itamar Eichner on the sidelines of the MEAD conference in Washington, the official said that “the Lebanese people are dreaming of peace with Israel,” adding that the hope began after Israel eliminated Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.
“Hezbollah is the cancer of Lebanon that has taken the country hostage,” the official said, adding that the success of efforts to free Lebanon depends heavily on Israel’s conduct and assistance.
The official acknowledged that a pilot program to remove weapons and infrastructure from three Lebanese villages failed because the Lebanese Army remains too weak to confront Hezbollah.
“It is clear to us that only you can do the job, but do it properly,” he said, calling on Israel to declare that it will fully withdraw from Lebanon once Hezbollah is disarmed.
The Lebanese official also appealed directly to the Israeli public to stop what he described as attacks on civilians and land in southern Lebanon, including the burning of fields and the destruction of olive trees.
He sharply criticized statements by Israeli ministers supporting the establishment of Jewish communities in Lebanon, calling them “foolish” and warning that they are harming the positive momentum developing among Lebanon’s various communities.
The official also called on Israel to show restraint in response to Hezbollah drone launches, which he said are intended to sabotage the process, and urged Israel to avoid strikes in Beirut that could weaken the Lebanese government.
He said there is widespread appreciation in Lebanon for President Isaac Herzog, whom he described as a “true leader.” While many Lebanese do not respect Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, he said they nevertheless credit him for the elimination of Nasrallah.
Asked whether Israelis could one day sit in Beirut and eat hummus, the official said it is possible and achievable within several years if Hezbollah gives up its weapons.
He emphasized, however, that Israel’s security cannot come at the expense of Lebanon’s sovereignty.
(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
