In the first signs of strife between the Lebanese govt and Hezbollah, Lebanon’s caretaker PM has voiced rare criticism of the group. During a meeting with Italy’s PM in Beirut on October 18, Najib Mikati seemingly blamed the Iran-backed group for the war in Lebanon.
“What is happening today is a lesson for all Lebanese to stay out of regional conflicts,” Mikati said.
The comments are vital as Hezbollah has significant presence in both the Lebanese parliament and government.
Meanwhile, Iran denied an accusation from Mikati that it was interfering in Beirut's internal affairs over remarks attributed to Tehran's speaker of parliament. France's Le Figaro had quoted Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf as saying that Tehran was ready to negotiate the implementation of UNSC Resolution 1701. The UNSC resolution is seen as a precondition for a ceasefire in the ongoing war between Israel and Hezbollah group, an ally of Iran. The resolution calls for the Lebanese army and UN peacekeepers to be the only forces deployed to southern Lebanon. Mikati had accused Tehran of "blatant interference in Lebanese affairs and an attempt to establish an unacceptable guardianship over Lebanon."
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