Lebanese PM resigns, says he fears for his life

LEBANON: Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri announced his resignation yesterday, saying his life was in danger.

‘‘We are living in circumstances similar to those which prevailed before the assassination of the martyr Rafik Hariri,’’ he said, referring to the killing of his father, who also was prime minister, in a 2005 bombing.

Hariri mentioned in a televised address a secret plot to kill him, without elaborating.

Saudi-owned broadcaster Al Arabiya, citing unidentified sources, reported that an attempt on Hariri’s life was thwarted in Beirut a few days earlier.

‘‘The planners of Hariri’s assassination attempt disrupted the control towers when his convoy was passing by,’’ Al Arabiya reported without elaboration.

In his resignation speech, Hariri, a Sunni Muslim and staunch ally of Saudi Arabia, lashed out at the Shiite Hezbollah movement and Iran, accusing them of fomenting unrest in the Arab region.

‘‘Hezbollah is Iran’s arm, not only in Lebanon, but in other Arab countries,’’ he said in a speech broadcast on Al Arabiya.

‘‘I want to tell Iran and its followers that they are losers and the hands doing evil to the Arab countries will be cut off,’’ he said.

Saudi Arabia and Iran are backing opposite sides in wars in Syria and Yemen.

Hariri accused Iran of trying to ‘‘hijack’’ Lebanon.

‘‘I am declaring my resignation as head of the government. I am confident that the Lebanese people have a strong resolve and will be able to overcome guardianship from inside and outside,’’ Hariri said.

Hariri made the announcement in Saudi Arabia, Lebanon’s official National News Agency reported.

Hariri’s resignation came after less than a year in office.

The office of Lebanese President Michel Aoun, who is an ally of Hezbollah, said that Hariri had informed him of his decision in a phone call.

"I want to tell Iran and its followers that they are losers and the hands doing evil to the Arab countries will be cut off."

Saad Hariri, Lebanese Prime Minister

It was not yet clear when Hariri would return from Saudi Arabia. He reportedly arrived there on Friday.

His resignation could unsettle Lebanon’s fragile political system.

So far, there has been no comment from Hezbollah, which has political and military wings. The organization was a partner in Hariri’s coalition government formed late last year.

Pro-Hezbollah television alManar described Hariri’s resignation as surprising and suggested that Saudi Arabia played a ‘‘role’’ in it.

Hezbollah is fighting alongside forces of Syrian President Bashar Assad, who is facing an armed rebellion. Hariri is a sharp critic of Assad.