BEIRUT– Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has warned against dragging Lebanon into another regional conflict, in an indirect message to Hezbollah, stressing that decisions on war and peace must remain exclusively in the hands of the state.
Speaking after a meeting with President Joseph Aoun at the presidential palace, Salam expressed concern over the risk of renewed hostilities in the region and rejected what he described as another “futile adventure” serving external interests.
The prime minister said Lebanon could not afford to become involved in confrontations whose consequences would fall primarily on its population, particularly in the south, which has already suffered heavy losses in terms of lives, livelihoods and infrastructure.
“Protecting Lebanon is a national responsibility that requires prioritising its supreme interests above any other consideration,” Salam said, adding that decisions on war and peace must rest exclusively with the state and its constitutional institutions.
He also stressed that the government would not accept Lebanon becoming an arena for conflicts imposed by external actors or political and armed groups.
In a further reference to regional tensions, Salam strongly condemned the involvement of Lebanese individuals or groups in the internal affairs of Arab countries, particularly through military activities threatening their security. He specifically referred to recent announcements by the Yemeni government, warning that such actions could damage Lebanon's relations with Arab states and harm the interests of its citizens.
The remarks come amid persistent tensions surrounding Hezbollah's military role and the Lebanese government's efforts to restore state authority over the country's security and defence decisions.
Salam reiterated that Lebanon's priority is to safeguard its sovereignty, protect its population and prevent a new war that could further destabilise an already fragile country.
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