HEZBOLLAH IN UN SIGHTS OVER SYRIA CONFLICT

▶ Security Council warns Lebanese parties not to take action externally

The United Nations Security Council has taken aim at Lebanese militant group Hezbollah and its role in Syria, issuing a warning for all Lebanese parties to disassociate themselves from any external conflicts.

The statement appeared to be directed at the Tehran-backed movement as fears rise about Iran’s increasing influence in the Lebanese government after a cabinet formation was confirmed on January 31.

The group has sent fighters to Syria in support of President Bashar Al Assad, backing him alongside Russia and Iran and helping his government reclaim much of the territory lost to rebels and extremist groups since the war started in 2011.

In its statement late on Friday, the council called on the Lebanese parties to implement such a policy on external conflicts “as a priority”.

The council also reiterated its call for implementation of its resolutions that “require the disarmament of all armed groups in Lebanon so that there will be no weapons or authority in Lebanon” except those of the state. This also appeared to be a direct aim at the Shiite terrorist group.

It welcomed the formation of a national unity government. Council members encouraged all political leaders to build on the momentum of the new government’s formation “to address the pressing security, economic, social and humanitarian challenges facing the country” and called on the new government to urgently implement reforms, fight corruption and strengthen accountability.

But Israel and the US have railed against Hezbollah’s influence in the coalition. It now controls three ministries, including health. The Shiite group named a doctor, Jamil Jabak, as health minister, the first time it has held a ministry with a big budget.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that Iran now “controls the government of Lebanon” because of the group’s influence in the administration.

“Iran has proxies. One of them is Hezbollah. Hezbollah just joined the government of Lebanon. That’s a misnomer, they actually control the government of Lebanon,” he said.