Full Breakdown
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam's Stance on Hezbollah and Israel
3/23/2026, 7:23:53 AM
Escalating Tensions and Calls for Disarmament
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has publicly reaffirmed his government's commitment to disarming Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group, amid ongoing conflict with Israel. In a recent interview with the Saudi channel Al-Hadath, Salam criticized Hezbollah's rocket attacks on Israel, stating that each rocket fired results in significant humanitarian consequences, with estimates of “10,000 displaced people” for every attack due to Israeli retaliatory strikes. He emphasized that the current war was imposed on Lebanon, asserting that the country did not choose this conflict.
Defiance Against Hezbollah
Salam has taken a firm stance against Hezbollah's influence, declaring that he will not yield to the group's pressure. He stated, “I will not submit to its coercion,” and expressed urgency in centralizing weapons under state control, especially in light of the ongoing conflict. Despite Hezbollah's military actions, Salam has refrained from calling for direct confrontation, focusing instead on maintaining government authority over arms. He noted that the Lebanese government has faced delays in achieving disarmament, but reiterated that it will not back down from its decisions regarding weapon control.
Negotiations with Israel
In a notable shift, Salam indicated that Lebanon is open to direct negotiations with Israel, a move that could mark a significant change in diplomatic relations. He clarified that the initiative for talks remains active, with a focus on achieving a ceasefire and securing Israel's withdrawal from Lebanese territory. Salam mentioned efforts to form a national delegation for these negotiations, although he acknowledged that there is currently no set agenda for discussions.
Criticism of Hezbollah's Actions
Salam's remarks also included criticism of Hezbollah's role in the conflict, suggesting that the group's actions have not only caused physical destruction but have also undermined the credibility of the Lebanese government. He pointed to the damage inflicted by Israeli strikes in response to Hezbollah's rocket fire, including the destruction of infrastructure in southern Lebanon. Salam's comments reflect a broader concern about the implications of Hezbollah's military activities on Lebanon's stability and governance.
Official Statements & Responses
In his interview, Salam stated, “We had hoped that those who dragged us into war would act rationally before taking another risk,” highlighting his frustration with Hezbollah's decisions. He also confirmed that the Lebanese government is actively working to expel Iranian Revolutionary Guards operating illegally in the country, emphasizing the need for sovereignty and control over military operations.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While Salam's statements underscore a commitment to disarmament and negotiations, Israeli officials have criticized the Lebanese government for failing to take concrete actions to enforce disarmament commitments. This discrepancy raises questions about the effectiveness of Salam's government in addressing Hezbollah's military presence and the broader implications for regional stability.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I will not submit to its coercion,” — Nawaf Salam, Prime Minister of Lebanon
- “each of the six rockets launched by Hezbollah on March 2 cost 10,000 displaced Lebanese,” — Nawaf Salam
- “We have dropped the concept of a ‘ban on negotiations’ with Israel.” — Nawaf Salam
- “Hezbollah’s threats will not intimidate us.” — Nawaf Salam
Salam's statements reflect a complex interplay of domestic and regional politics as Lebanon navigates its relationship with Hezbollah and Israel amidst ongoing conflict.
