Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdullah Bou Habib stated today that his remarks about Lebanon's readiness to enter war with Israel were a mistake due to the circumstances surrounding his interview in Antalya. He emphasized that while "Hezbollah is ready for war," the Lebanese Armed Forces will not fight against Israel or anyone else. However, he noted that if Israel invades Lebanon, they are compelled to defend themselves.
In an interview with Al-Hurra, he mentioned that "the movement of international mediators is good, but with every envoy, Israel sends a warning and a threat that it will enter Lebanon." Bou Habib expressed doubt that Israel would enter into a war with Lebanon, clarifying that this is his personal opinion and not a political stance. He pointed out that previously, every international envoy coming from Israel demanded the implementation of resolution 1701, calling for Hezbollah to retreat 7 or 10 kilometers north of the Litani River. Currently, he observed that Israel's request through international envoys is solely for Hezbollah to withdraw and for settlers to return to northern Israel, asserting that nothing will happen in Lebanon until the situation in Gaza is resolved.
He added, "We cannot speak on behalf of Hezbollah, and Hezbollah does not seek our permission to enter any war. All messages received in Lebanon are Israeli demands."
