Israel Matzav

Hariri to go into opposition

Outgoing Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri announced on Monday that he will form an opposition rather than joining a government led by Hezbullah.

His successor, Hezbollah-backed Sunni billionaire Najib Mikati, is now negotiating to form a cabinet and had called on Mr. Hariri and his allies to join a unity government. Mr. Hariri's move secures Hezbollah's place as the dominant political force in the next Lebanese government.

With the announcement, in an impassioned, confrontational speech to thousands of supporters, the Sunni leader, who until last month had to manage a range of interests in his own unity government, set the stage for heightened conflict. Mr. Hariri called for mass protests on March 14, and accused Hezbollah and its allies of "lies, betrayal and lack of loyalty."

He also reaffirmed his support for a United Nations-backed tribunal investigating the assassination of his father, former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, on Feb. 14, 2005. The assassination, in a car bombing, was a pivotal event in Lebanon, and led to the end of Syria's 30-year military occupation of the country.

There's something left unsaid here: With a Hezbullah dominated government, it is highly likely that the US will cut off aid to Lebanon. The stronger the Hezbullah domination, the more likely the cutoff.

Labels: Hezbullah, Lebanon, March 14, Najib Mikati, Saad Hariri, Special Tribunal for Lebanon

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 1:45 AM