Iranian takeover of Lebanon likely, say Israelis

By Jim Kouri

Islamic nations including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey fear that the Iranian backed terrorist group Hezbollah will become the de facto rulers of Lebanon, thereby giving control of that Arab nation to the extremist governments of Iran and Syria.

Officials in Israel — who have confronted Hezbollah repeatedly — fear that a Hezbollah-run government in Lebanon will lead to an increase in unrest in the Middle East.

Disturbing to Israel's government and military is the recent news that Lebanon's Druze leader Walid Jumblatt's has sided with Hezbollah against Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri, a move that increases the danger that an Iranian "puppet government" will be established in Lebanon.

Vice Prime Minister Silvan Shalom told reporters, "This is not just about a terror organization which operates with Iran's support and inspiration any more, but rather a real sovereign government.

"There is no doubt this is a dangerous development which forces us to follow (Lebanon) closely. We will be prepared for any future development," he told Ynet News.

On Friday, Jumblatt announced he was supporting Hezbollah, the Shiite group that brought down the Lebanon's moderate and U.S.-backed government when ministers from Hezbollah walked out of the government, forcing its collapse, last week when Prime Minister Hariri refused to renounce the tribunal investigating the assassination of his father, former PM Rafik Hariri, according to Ynet.

The tribunal prosecutor had issued a preliminary indictment that accused members of Hezbollah of assassinating the popular prime minister, who favored warm relations with the United States and the West.

The final criminal indictment is expected to accuse members of Hezbollah of the assassination, in spite of the terrorist groups denials of any role in the Hariri assassination. The Iran and Syria backed Hezbollah has alleged the prosecutor in the case is a tool of the Israeli government.

© Jim Kouri