Lebanese MP Mohammad Raad condemned US diplomat Morgan Ortagus’s remarks claiming Hezbollah was defeated by Israel, calling them an attack on national sovereignty. He criticized the US’s interference in Lebanese politics and condemned Israeli aggression, emphasizing that such actions undermine American claims of supporting democracy. Raad called for recognition of Israel’s brutal conduct against civilians, framing Hezbollah as a legitimate defender of Lebanon rather than a terrorist entity.
Lebanese MP Mohammad Raad, head of the Loyalty to the Resistance Bloc, condemned remarks made by US Deputy Special Envoy Morgan Ortagus during her meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun. Ortagus asserted that “Hezbollah was defeated by Israel and we are grateful to our ally Israel for defeating Hezbollah,” which Raad deemed a direct assault on a significant Lebanese political entity vital to national accord.
Raad further criticized Ortagus’ claim regarding US imposition of “clear red lines” to limit Hezbollah’s involvement in a future Lebanese government. He labeled this statement as a severe violation of Lebanese sovereignty, arguing it deviated from established diplomatic norms and international relations.
Additionally, he characterized Ortagus’s statement as “filled with hatred and devoid of responsibility,” highlighting its reflection of hostility towards a group that resisted Israeli aggression. He contended that those discussing corruption should not label Hezbollah as terrorists, asserting that US-supported Israeli actions compromise the legitimacy of American democracy.
Raad condemned the ongoing US-backed Israeli aggression, declaring that the brutalities faced in Gaza and Lebanon clarify who truly supports terrorism. He pointed out that Israel’s violent conduct aims to displace individuals from their homeland while disregarding international law.
He also emphasized that the genuine victor is the one who illuminates the true nature of aggressors like Israel, revealing crimes against humanity, including targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure. He asserted that Israel, as an occupier, lacks the right to claim self-defense against those it aggresses.
The conflict between Hezbollah and Israel continues to influence Lebanese politics and international relations. Amidst an escalating regional tension, US officials often express opinions that impact Lebanon’s sovereign decisions. Hezbollah plays a significant role in Lebanon’s political landscape, being integral to the country’s defense against external threats, particularly from Israel. Understanding the historical dynamics between these entities is essential to contextualizing the criticisms exchanged in recent dialogues.
In summary, Lebanese MP Mohammad Raad vociferously condemned US Deputy Special Envoy Morgan Ortagus’s remarks regarding Hezbollah’s relationship with Israel. His responses underscore the sensitivities surrounding Lebanon’s sovereignty and the implications of foreign interventions in its political affairs. The discourse reflects deeper historical tensions between Lebanon and Israel, as well as the ongoing struggle for national identity amid external pressures and influences.
Original Source: en.mehrnews.com
