Ex-PM: Lebanon Abandoned by International Community Amid Crisis

Photo : Reuters

Lebanon’s former Prime Minister Fouad Siniora, who held office during the last war with Israel in 2006, has expressed his deep concern that the international community has abandoned his country amid ongoing crises. He emphasized the unacceptable nature of leaving Lebanon to deteriorate and highlighted a lack of initiatives aimed at restoring peace in the region.

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Siniora noted the current precarious situation in Lebanon requires concerted efforts from local, Arab, and international actors. He stated, “You can push things to the brink of falling into a major catastrophe without realizing the consequences.” His remarks come at a time when he believes the U.S. administration is preoccupied with election issues, further complicating Lebanon's political landscape.

The former Prime Minister pointed out that Lebanon has been unable to elect a new president due to persistent factional conflicts, particularly with Hezbollah, which has insisted on a candidate who aligns with its interests. He referenced the 2006 conflict, which began when Hezbollah fighters crossed the border to attack Israeli soldiers, ultimately leading to a month-long war.

He criticized the current government for failing to take a clear stance, stating, “This government did not do what my government did that day. My government was very clear and determined in stating that we were not aware of Hezbollah’s plans.” Siniora believes that this lack of action has resulted in a blurred line between Hezbollah's activities and the Lebanese state, asserting that “practically, Lebanon as a state has been kidnapped by Hezbollah, and behind Hezbollah is Iran.”

Siniora emphasized that Hezbollah's arms, which should be directed towards Israel, are increasingly being turned inward and used to further Iranian interests in Syria, Iraq, and Yemen. He underlined the negative impact of Hezbollah's power on Lebanon's sovereignty and its ability to govern.

Reflecting on the aftermath of the 2006 war, Siniora pointed out that a resolution intended to create a buffer zone in southern Lebanon, free from Hezbollah's presence, has failed to be implemented. Despite the deployment of peacekeeping forces and the Lebanese army, Hezbollah’s military infrastructure has persisted in the region.

With Lebanon currently lacking a fully functioning government since the last elections in 2022, the country remains under a caretaker administration. The political vacuum has allowed Hezbollah's influence to grow, complicating Lebanon’s governance. Many Lebanese citizens feel that effective leadership is in short supply, particularly since President Michel Aoun’s term ended nearly two years ago without a successor being appointed.

Siniora also urged that Lebanon’s situation should not be conflated with the ongoing conflict in Gaza. He criticized calls for simultaneous ceasefires from Iranian officials and stressed the importance of dissociating Lebanon from the events in Gaza. “Lebanon cannot afford to get involved in such a matter,” he remarked, pointing to the devastation in Gaza, where millions of Palestinians have been left homeless.

His comments reflect a deep concern for Lebanon's future as it grapples with internal challenges and external pressures, calling for urgent international attention and action to prevent further deterioration.