A sovereign Lebanon serves Israel and Iran alike
Were Iran and Israel to accept Lebanon’s status as a sovereign state, not only would this be a principled decision – one that is in accordance with the universal values enshrined in the UN Charter – it would also serve both countries’ long-term interests. Today, unfortunately, both these regional powers use Lebanon as a space to jockey for influence and settle disputes against one another. They…
Lebanon's status as a sovereign state could be a principled decision that aligns with universal UN Charter values, benefiting both Israel and Iran in the long run. However, the current scenario sees the regional powers exploiting Lebanon for their own gain. Israel's military presence in the south and Iran's support for Hezbollah are seen as threats to Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
While Israel's security concerns are justified, its attempts to destroy homes, displace civilians, and expand its territorial control are unjustifiable and unsustainable. Similarly, Iran's support for Hezbollah has historically undermined Lebanon's state, leading to wars with Israel. Recently, Iran's refusal to allow its ambassador to leave Lebanon and its insistence on communicating through state institutions highlight its overbearing approach.
Yet, Beirut's decision to expel Iranian ambassador Mohammad Reza Sheibani and insist on state-mediated communication is a positive move, reflecting the growing influence of the Lebanese leadership. The Lebanese need to reclaim their sovereignty and become a strong, independent nation to foster stability and prosperity in the region.
Lebanon's strategic location between competing interests, including those of Israel, Iran, Turkey, and others, underscores the importance of a robust Lebanese state at its core. However, the country's economic decline and ongoing conflict make it crucial for external entities not to continue undermining Lebanon. Both Israel's encroachments and Iran's intransigence pose hurdles to progress.
Yet, neither can be seen as making Israel more secure or ensuring Iran retains its influence in the Levant. The alternative path lies in adopting mutually beneficial partnerships with Lebanon, akin to the UAE and Syria's approach. Treating Lebanon as a sovereign country, rather than a buffer zone, battlefield, or bargaining chip, is the key to building a stable and prosperous Levant.
Written by urgent.news from The National UAE's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
