Lebanon PM Salam warns against new futile adventure, condemns Yemen meddling

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam warned, after meeting President Joseph Aoun at Baabda Palace, against dragging Lebanon into “any new futile adventure” amid the risk of renewed war in the region. He stressed that the decision on war and peace belongs solely to the state and condemned any Lebanese groups’ interference in Yemen’s internal affairs.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam issued a new warning against sliding into war after meeting President Joseph Aoun at Baabda Palace on Wednesday. In a statement published by the Lebanese presidency, Salam said: “Amid the risks of renewed war in the region, I reiterate the warning against dragging Lebanon into any new futile adventure.”

He added that “protecting Lebanon is a national responsibility that requires prioritizing its higher interest over any other consideration,” stressing: “We will not accept that a fate they did not choose be imposed on the Lebanese.” Salam affirmed that the decision on war and peace must remain exclusively in the hands of the state and its constitutional institutions. Aoun and Salam also discussed the agenda for the next Cabinet session.

Entrance to Baabda Presidential Palace in Lebanon (archive)

Condemnation of interference in Yemeni affairs

In a notable statement, Salam said: “I denounce and strongly condemn any Lebanese individuals or groups interfering in the internal affairs of fellow Arab countries, particularly by engaging in any form of military activity that threatens the security and safety of their countries, the latest example being what the government of brotherly Yemen announced.” This came after reports of Hezbollah experts participating in military operations alongside the Houthi group, according to Asharq Al-Awsat.

That same day, President Aoun held a call with Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council Chairman Rashad al-Alimi, during which he affirmed “Lebanon’s commitment to the sovereignty of the Yemeni state and its rejection of any individuals’ or groups’ interference in its internal affairs.” Hezbollah, for its part, denied the accusations, describing them as “entirely untrue and unsupported by any facts.”

Fears of renewed confrontation

Fears are growing in Lebanon of a return to the war that erupted on March 2, when Hezbollah launched rockets at Israel after Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed, claiming the lives of more than 4,300 people, according to estimates by Lebanese officials. The intensity of the confrontation has declined since June following a U.S.-sponsored framework agreement, while Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir said his forces remained on alert regarding Hezbollah.

On the domestic front, lawmaker Wael Abu Faour said dragging Lebanon into war by any internal party “constitutes an unforgivable sin against Lebanon and the Lebanese,” while Kataeb Party leader Sami Gemayel said “the state cannot rely on guarantees” from Hezbollah. Ministerial sources said that “some assurances have come from Hezbollah that it will not enter the war,” but indicated that no guarantees were in place.

Photos: Archive, Wikimedia Commons

Lebanon PM Salam warns against new futile adventure, condemns Yemen meddling