Full Breakdown
Tensions Rise in Lebanon Over Foreign Minister's Comments on Hezbollah and Israel
1/15/2026, 7:45:41 AM
Foreign Minister's Controversial Statement
Youssef Rajji, Lebanon's Minister of Foreign Affairs, recently stated that Israel has the right to continue its military actions against Lebanon as long as Hezbollah remains armed. In an interview with Sky News Arabia, Rajji emphasized that the lack of a state monopoly on weapons allows Israel to maintain its military operations, referencing a fragile ceasefire agreement signed in November 2024. This agreement, which ended over a year of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, did not explicitly link Israel's cessation of attacks to Hezbollah's disarmament.
Reactions from Hezbollah and Supporters
Rajji's comments have sparked significant backlash from Hezbollah supporters and allies within the Lebanese government. Prominent figures, including Ali Ammar, a Hezbollah member of Parliament, condemned Rajji's remarks, labeling him a "political, national, and moral failure." The pro-Hezbollah newspaper Al Akhbar criticized Rajji, calling him "the speaker of the enemy in the government" and urging the Lebanese Prime Minister and President to take action against him. Influential Shiite cleric Sheikh Ahmad Qabalan also rebuked Rajji, asserting that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs should prioritize Lebanon's interests rather than those of Israel.
Context of the Ceasefire Agreement
The ceasefire agreement stipulates that Hezbollah must disarm and dismantle its military infrastructure south of the Litani River, a process the Lebanese army claims to have completed in coordination with the United Nations peacekeeping force, Unifil. However, the agreement also requires Israel to withdraw from occupied Lebanese territory and cease its daily strikes—conditions that Israel has reportedly failed to meet. Israeli forces have been accused of breaching the ceasefire numerous times, with claims of airstrikes and ground raids on southern Lebanon.
Hezbollah's Response and Future Implications
Hezbollah has allowed disarmament efforts south of the Litani but has resisted any moves to disarm further north, where tensions are expected to escalate. Senior Hezbollah official Mahmoud Qomati warned that pursuing a state monopoly on arms in these areas could lead to instability and potential civil conflict. He characterized the government's disarmament push as a significant threat to Lebanon's stability, although he stated that Hezbollah would not engage in direct confrontation with the Lebanese army.
Official Statements & Responses
In response to Rajji's remarks, the Israeli government claimed that the Lebanese administration has accepted Israeli conditions regarding military actions. Meanwhile, the Amal Movement, a Shiite political party allied with Hezbollah, called for accountability regarding Rajji's statements, indicating that they should not go unaddressed in the Council of Ministers.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
There are discrepancies regarding the effectiveness of the ceasefire agreement and the current status of Hezbollah's military capabilities. While the Lebanese army asserts that it has completed disarmament south of the Litani, Israeli claims suggest that Hezbollah is rebuilding its military infrastructure, a statement that Unifil has not substantiated.
Verbatim Quotes
- “as long as the weapons are not totally monopolised by the state, Israel will unfortunately retain the right to continue its attacks in accordance with this agreement” — Youssef Rajji, Lebanese Foreign Minister
- “the task of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is to protect the interests of Lebanon, not to protect the interests of Israel” — Sheikh Ahmad Qabalan, Influential Shiite Cleric
- “The path taken by the Lebanese government and state institutions will lead Lebanon to instability, chaos and perhaps even civil war,” — Mahmoud Qomati, Senior Hezbollah Official
