Lebanese President Calls for Hariri's Return to the Country

The President of Lebanon told the Saudi envoy that Saad Hariri, the country's resigned Prime Minister, must return to Lebanon. Reuters, citing informed sources in the Lebanese presidency, reported that Michel Aoun, the President of Lebanon, demanded Hariri's return during a meeting with the Saudi envoy, deeming his resignation in Saudi Arabia and its surrounding circumstances unacceptable. On Thursday, Reuters reported from two senior Lebanese officials, a politician close to Hariri, and another informed source that Hariri is being kept in Saudi Arabia 'against his will.' Hariri announced his resignation unexpectedly on Saturday after a trip to Saudi Arabia via Al Arabiya network. Meanwhile, a senior Lebanese official told CNN on Friday that the Lebanese government believes Saudi Arabia has restricted Hariri's movements and communications. The unnamed official stated that Hariri is not speaking 'according to his own will' with his cabinet and party members, and he 'really does not know what has happened.' Riyadh has denied any obstruction of Hariri's exit or house arrest. Hariri holds both Lebanese and Saudi citizenship and has investments and residency in Saudi Arabia. CNN reported that Hariri's sudden resignation has raised concerns in Lebanon about Saudi Arabia potentially entering into conflict with Lebanon due to its increasing influence in the region, or that Israel might take similar actions against Lebanon. Following Hariri's resignation, Saudi Arabia urged its citizens to leave Lebanon immediately, and other Gulf countries have also warned against traveling to Lebanon. Reuters noted that Hariri's sudden resignation has intensified the power struggle between Saudi Arabia and Iran in Lebanon. The 'International Support Group,' including the United States, Russia, and France, issued a statement calling for Lebanon to stay away from regional tensions and welcomed Michel Aoun's request for Hariri's return to Lebanon. Reuters reported that in the meeting between Michel Aoun and the Saudi envoy, the Lebanese President called for clarification on Hariri's situation. In his resignation letter, Hariri stated that he resigned out of fear of assassination and accused Iran of interfering in Lebanon's affairs. His father, Rafik Hariri, was killed in a massive bomb explosion in 2005, and Hezbollah was accused of his assassination, an accusation the group has denied. Meanwhile, France and Germany stated on Friday that they do not believe Hariri is in Saudi Arabia against his will. On the other hand, Michel Aoun has refused to accept Hariri's resignation until he returns to his country. Walid Jumblatt, a Druze politician in Lebanon, also stated on Friday that it is time for Hariri to return to the country. Antonio Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, warned of the 'devastating consequences of a new conflict' and called for peace in Lebanon. In this context, Michel Aoun described Lebanon's security, economic, and political stability as a 'red line.'