Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji warned Friday that Arab and international officials have cautioned Beirut of an Israeli plan for a large-scale military operation against Lebanon. <\/p>\n
Speaking to Al Jazeera and quoted by Haaretz, Rajji said Lebanon is strengthening diplomatic ties to defend itself, while sharply criticizing Hezbollah for refusing to disarm.<\/p>\n
“Hezbollah’s weapons have proven ineffective in supporting Gaza and defending Lebanon,” Rajji declared, adding that Hezbollah\u2019s actions “brought about the Israeli occupation.”<\/p>\n
Rajji said Lebanon seeks a return to the ceasefire agreement with Israel, though he expressed pessimism about prospects for peace. He stressed that recent meetings of the international mechanism overseeing the cease-fire should not be mistaken for “traditional” negotiations with Israel.<\/p>\n
On Iran, Rajji accused Tehran of destabilizing the region. “Iran\u2019s regional policy is a source of instability,” he said, adding that its influence on Lebanon is harmful. <\/p>\n
He urged Tehran to “stop financing an illegal organization,” referring to Hezbollah, while noting Lebanon remains open to dialogue if Iran ceases interference in its internal affairs.<\/p>\n
Iran is a major sponsor of the Hezbollah terrorist organization and in the past has vowed<\/a> to always support the group.<\/p>\n Iranian officials have criticized<\/a> Lebanon\u2019s recent decision to disarm the terror group, in line with a ceasefire agreement reached with Israel last year.<\/p>\n Despite the disagreements between Lebanon\u2019s government and Hezbollah, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced Thursday<\/a> he accepted an invitation from Rajji to visit Beirut in order to open \u201ca new chapter\u201d in relations.<\/p>\n Rajji\u2019s comments came after the IDF announced strikes<\/a> on a Hezbollah training and qualification compound in southern Lebanon. On Tuesday, Israel carried out strikes<\/a> on a Radwan training site and launch facility. <\/p>\n