Saudi Media Accused of Fuelling Sectarian Divide in Lebanon

Critics warn Riyadh’s press campaign targets Hezbollah ahead of key UNIFIL mandate talks

BEIRUT, PUREWILAYAH.COM — Saudi media outlets are under fire for allegedly inciting sectarian tensions in Lebanon by portraying Hezbollah as a threat to state sovereignty and calling for its disarmament. Between April and August, over 230 articles in Saudi newspapers have pressed Beirut to curb the group’s influence.

Al Arabiya recently aired interviews with President Joseph Aoun, PM Nawaf Salam, Maronite Patriarch al-Rahi, and others—all seen as part of a coordinated push against Hezbollah. Al-Rahi urged disarmament and even raised the prospect of future peace with Israel. Jaafari Mufti Sheikh Ahmed Qabalan swiftly countered, insisting no force could strip Hezbollah of its weapons and crediting Iran with preventing Israel’s regional dominance.

Analysts say Saudi messaging threatens Lebanon’s stability, with some commentators warning of lost aid or even expulsion from the “Arab fold” unless Hezbollah is weakened. Reports even quote Saudi envoy Yazid bin Farhan as saying of a potential civil war:

“Let it be.”

The row comes as Lebanon faces sensitive deadlines: a UN vote on renewing UNIFIL’s mission and internal debates over Hezbollah’s role in national defence. Lebanese leaders remain split, while Israel lobbies Washington to scale back UNIFIL’s presence in the south. (PW)

Source: Tehran Times