Riyadh: Hezbollah's Actions Are Considered a Declaration of War by the Lebanese Government and Hezbollah Against Saudi Arabia

A Saudi minister stated on Monday, November 6, that the Lebanese government is responsible for the actions of Hezbollah, and these actions are considered a declaration of war by the Lebanese government against Saudi Arabia. According to Reuters, Thamer al-Sabhan, Saudi Minister of State for Gulf Affairs, said that Riyadh has informed Saad Hariri, the resigned Prime Minister of Lebanon, about Hezbollah's "hostile" actions against Saudi Arabia. He added that Hezbollah's actions are viewed as a "declaration of war by the Lebanese government" and the Hezbollah group against Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, according to Al Arabiya, Thamer al-Sabhan accused Hezbollah of participating in "all terrorist actions" against Riyadh. This Saudi minister did not provide further details about these actions. He also stated, "Lebanese people must choose between peace and being under Hezbollah's shadow. We expected the Lebanese government to take action against Hezbollah. The decision about where relations between Lebanon and Saudi Arabia will lead is up to the Lebanese themselves." Thamer al-Sabhan was previously in Iraq, but his remarks against Shiite militias in that country drew protests from Iraqi officials. Thamer al-Sabhan was the first Saudi ambassador to Baghdad after a 25-year break in relations in 2015, but Riyadh replaced him a year later. According to Al Arabiya, Thamer al-Sabhan dismissed reports regarding the forced resignation of Saad Hariri from the position of Prime Minister of Lebanon. The Saudi Minister of State for Gulf Affairs said, "These are false rumors aimed at creating division among the Lebanese. Lebanon has been taken hostage by Hezbollah militias supported by Iran, and the Lebanese can prevent Hezbollah's actions." Saad Hariri resigned on November 4 in Riyadh, criticizing Iran and Hezbollah's interference in Arab affairs, stating that his life was in "danger." Hariri's sudden resignation during a televised speech broadcast by Al Arabiya sparked criticism and speculation in Beirut, including doubts about the voluntary nature of this resignation. In this context, the Arab coalition's decision to block communication routes to Yemen followed the Houthi missile launch. Michel Aoun described Lebanon's security, economic, and political stability as a "red line." Lebanese sources reported that Michel Aoun conditioned the acceptance of Hariri's resignation on his return. The Prime Minister of Lebanon resigned while criticizing Iran.