The National called on Israel and Iran to respect Lebanon's sovereignty
The editorial board of The National called on Israel and Iran to recognize and respect Lebanon's sovereignty, emphasizing that this would serve the long-term interests of both states. The publication believes that regional powers use Lebanese territory, institutions and population as a space to compete for influence and resolve their own confrontation.
Israel's presence in southern Lebanon
The editorial states that the most visible threat to Lebanon's territorial integrity is the expansion of Israel's military presence in the south of the country. The National reported that Israeli forces had advanced beyond a self-established “yellow line” into three villages, demolished homes and restricted residents' access to their land.
The editorial notes that Israel has security concerns because of two major wars with Hezbollah and the group's rocket attacks on its northern areas. At the same time, the publication argues that security considerations cannot be a permanent justification for destroying homes, displacing civilians and expanding territorial control.
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Iran's influence and Beirut's position
The National also points to Iran's long-standing support for Hezbollah, which, in the editorial's view, has given Tehran excessive influence over Lebanon's internal affairs and undermined the role of state institutions. It also mentions the dispute surrounding Iran's ambassador Mohammad Reza Sheibani, who refused to leave Lebanon.
According to the publication's assessment, Beirut's decision to declare Sheibani persona non grata and its demand that Tehran communicate through state institutions indicate the Lebanese leadership's desire to restore the country's sovereignty. The editorial called on regional states to build direct, mutually beneficial partnerships with Beirut rather than view Lebanon as a buffer zone, battlefield or bargaining chip.
