Lebanon Maintains Neutrality Amid Israel-Iran War, Rejects Involvement Despite Regional Escalation
Government Reaffirms Disassociation Policy as Officials Condemn Israeli Aggression and Urge Restraint to Protect Stability.
Watan–Lebanon is maintaining its policy of neutrality regarding the ongoing war between Israel and Iran, with Hezbollah reaffirming its decision not to intervene, as military analysts suggest such involvement would not shift the regional balance of power.
The latest Cabinet session addressed regional developments, with President Joseph Aoun noting the fragile situation and urging every effort to keep Lebanon out of external conflicts. He praised all political factions for helping preserve stability—especially amid a promising summer season—and expressed regret over the intermittent closure of Rafic Hariri International Airport due to security threats. He also lauded the Transport Minister’s efforts to manage the aviation sector under pressure.
President Aoun stressed the importance of government unity and warned against political obstruction. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned Israel’s military aggression on Iran, calling for the continued safeguarding of Lebanon’s southern border and resisting any attempt to drag Lebanon into the regional war, which could undermine the country’s fragile recovery.
No Entry into Regional War
Sources indicated that Tehran’s allies in Lebanon have no intention of engaging in the conflict, despite issuing statements condemning Israeli attacks on Iran.
MP Hussein Azeddine, from Hezbollah’s bloc, declared:“Iran remains strong and capable—even if left to face this aggression alone. It has grown exponentially stronger in military, scientific, and technological capacities since the Islamic Revolution.”
MP Ali Khreis, from the Amal Movement, reiterated:“We firmly stand with the Islamic Republic of Iran in its legitimate struggle against the Zionist regime, the greatest threat to regional security.”
He emphasized adherence to UN Resolution 1701, condemned Israel’s violations, and affirmed UNIFIL’s vital role in maintaining southern stability.
Domestic Affairs and Disarmament Delay
Efforts to begin disarmament in Palestinian camps—scheduled to start on June 16, following President Abbas’s visit to Lebanon—have been postponed indefinitely due to internal Palestinian disagreements amid the escalating regional war.
Prime Minister Salam stressed the Lebanese commitment to the May 21 joint statement with the Palestinian Authority, emphasizing:
“The state must maintain exclusive control over weapons and ensure national sovereignty.”
He confirmed ongoing coordination with Palestinian factions to implement the agreement without delay.
Security sources noted that Lebanese agencies have warned all factions, including Hezbollah, against launching attacks from Lebanese soil, citing the risk of Israeli retaliation.
On the Ground Escalations
Despite neutrality, Israeli drones targeted and killed a Lebanese civilian near Houla. Artillery shells were fired on Kfar Kila and between Taybeh and Adaisseh, while Israeli surveillance drones flew at low altitude over Beirut.
UNIFIL: Monitoring and De-escalation Efforts
In a statement, UNIFIL’s western sector—led by Brig. Gen. Nicola Mandolesi—confirmed continued support to the Lebanese Army in monitoring violations of Resolution 1701 and preventing escalation in southern Lebanon. Operations included tunnel inspections, military post relocations, and patrols along the Blue Line.
UNIFIL reaffirmed that rapid response and deconfliction efforts remain a top priority.
Conclusion
As the war between Israel and Iran intensifies—with deadly strikes and mutual retaliation—Lebanon’s leadership remains firm on non-involvement, stressing the urgency of preserving national sovereignty, economic recovery, and internal cohesion. Despite regional entanglements, Beirut continues to advocate for disarmament within camps, UN coordination, and full political neutrality—a strategy widely seen as critical to avoiding wider conflict.
