Lebanese officials warned on Saturday against dragging Lebanon into the region’s conflict after the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran.
President Joseph Aoun said that “protecting Lebanon’s sovereignty, security, and stability, and shielding it from the disasters of external conflicts is an absolute priority.”
He called for unified efforts and solidarity to confront the challenges.
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam also said he would not accept anyone dragging "the country into adventures that threaten its security and unity,” in an indirect message to Hezbollah.
“In light of the serious developments unfolding in the region, I once again call on all Lebanese to act with wisdom and patriotism, placing Lebanon and the Lebanese people’s interests above any other consideration," Salam said in a statement.
"I reiterate that we will not accept anyone dragging the country into adventures that threaten its security and unity,” he added.
Salam’s statement came after the US and Israel launched an attack on Iran amid reports that Israel had warned Lebanon that it would strike the country hard, targeting civilian infrastructure including the airport, in the event that Hezbollah gets involved in any regional war.
United Nations Special Coordinator Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert said that the Lebanese people “have survived and withstood crisis after crisis.”
“We cannot afford to be dragged into another one,” she warned, saying that all Lebanese parties “must prioritize, in words and actions, the need to shield the country and its people from unfolding regional developments.”
Earlier, Israel's military said that it carried out strikes on Hezbollah infrastructure in south Lebanon.
