Lebanese Minister of Information: We Will Take Action If Evidence of Revolutionary Guards on Our Lands
The Lebanese Minister of Information announced that the government would take necessary actions if it is proven that Iranian Revolutionary Guards are present in Lebanon.
During an interview with Al Jazeera, Lebanese Minister of Information Paul Markos stated that the government would take necessary measures if it is confirmed that elements of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards are in Lebanon. He emphasized the importance of maintaining public peace and hinted at potential penalties for those who disrupt it. Additionally, Markos mentioned that Prime Minister Nawaf Salam had instructed the foreign minister to summon the relevant Iranian embassy personnel in Beirut to address the situation accordingly, following diplomatic norms.
Markos clarified that the presence of the Revolutionary Guards had not been discussed during the government meeting that day; however, he assured that Beirut would act appropriately should the situation be substantiated. Furthermore, the Minister addressed concerns regarding information circulating on social media and media channels that incites discord and hatred against Christians and other sects, calling these matters a threat to public peace. He indicated that the judiciary has specific legal penalties to enforce under such circumstances, emphasizing the government's commitment to maintaining societal harmony.
The interview came in the context of rising tensions and the Lebanon-Israel border situation, as Markos declined to elaborate on how Lebanon would respond to Israeli troop movements. This reflects the delicate balance the Lebanese government is attempting to maintain between internal stability and external pressures, particularly in light of regional security challenges stemming from Hezbollah's influence and interactions with Iranian military forces. The government's statements underscore its intention to safeguard national sovereignty while being vigilant against both domestic and foreign threats.