FM: Hezbollah poses shared threat to Israel and Lebanon

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said that Hezbollah represents a shared threat to both Israel and Lebanon, arguing that the group undermines Lebanese sovereignty while endangering regional stability.

Speaking at a reception marking Israel Independence Day, Saar said Lebanon is effectively controlled by Iran through Hezbollah and described the country as a “failed state.”

“We made a historic decision after more than 40 years to hold direct negotiations with Lebanon. Unfortunately, Lebanon is a failed state, a country effectively controlled by Iran through Hezbollah. This leads to the conclusion: Hezbollah is a common enemy of Israel and Lebanon. Just as it threatens Israel’s security, it harms Lebanon’s sovereignty and endangers its future,” he said.

Saar added that Israel has no major disputes with Lebanon beyond limited disagreements over border demarcation, which he said could be resolved.

“We do not have major conflicts with Lebanon. There are several minor disagreements over border demarcation that can be resolved. The obstacle to peace and normalisation between the countries is another factor — Hezbollah,” he said.

Ahead of planned talks in Washington on April 23, Saar urged Beirut to cooperate against what he described as a “terrorist state” established by Hezbollah within Lebanon.

“Let us cooperate against the terrorist state that Hezbollah has created on your territory. This cooperation is even more necessary for you than for us. It requires moral clarity and the courage to take risks. But there is no real alternative to ensure a peaceful future for both of us, and for you, Lebanon, also a future of sovereignty, independence, and freedom from Iranian occupation,” Saar said.