‘I don’t trust any side to stop anything’ – former Lebanese Deputy Prime Minister

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Speaking live from Beirut, Ghassan Hasbani said Israeli threats to strike Hezbollah strongholds in the capital’s southern suburbs had been temporarily put on hold following talks involving the Lebanese government and the United States. But he dampened any hopes of a full ceasefire.

“The impression here on the ground is that the ceasefire would probably be limited to not targeting the Beirut suburb, if it holds,” he said adding that he had little confidence in either side ending the conflict voluntarily.

“I don’t trust any side to stop anything,” Hasbani said, describing Hezbollah as “a militarised force outside the Lebanese government control” whose actions are largely influenced by Iran. He added that the Lebanese state itself is not at war with Israel and is instead trying “to de-escalate and avert or avoid further destruction in Lebanon.”

Regarding Lebanon’s broader challenges, Hasbani said the government is seeking to assert control over all of its territory and prevent future conflicts triggered by armed groups operating outside state authority.

“What we need to have is stability in Lebanon and the Lebanese government in full control of its territory,” he said.