Jim Kouri
Iranian takeover of Lebanon likely, say Israelis
FacebookTwitter
By Jim Kouri
January 24, 2011

Islamic nations including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey fear that the Iranian backed terrorist group Hezbollah will become the de facto rulers of Lebanon, thereby giving control of that Arab nation to the extremist governments of Iran and Syria.

Officials in Israel — who have confronted Hezbollah repeatedly — fear that a Hezbollah-run government in Lebanon will lead to an increase in unrest in the Middle East.

Disturbing to Israel's government and military is the recent news that Lebanon's Druze leader Walid Jumblatt's has sided with Hezbollah against Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri, a move that increases the danger that an Iranian "puppet government" will be established in Lebanon.

Vice Prime Minister Silvan Shalom told reporters, "This is not just about a terror organization which operates with Iran's support and inspiration any more, but rather a real sovereign government.

"There is no doubt this is a dangerous development which forces us to follow (Lebanon) closely. We will be prepared for any future development," he told Ynet News.

On Friday, Jumblatt announced he was supporting Hezbollah, the Shiite group that brought down the Lebanon's moderate and U.S.-backed government when ministers from Hezbollah walked out of the government, forcing its collapse, last week when Prime Minister Hariri refused to renounce the tribunal investigating the assassination of his father, former PM Rafik Hariri, according to Ynet.

The tribunal prosecutor had issued a preliminary indictment that accused members of Hezbollah of assassinating the popular prime minister, who favored warm relations with the United States and the West.

The final criminal indictment is expected to accuse members of Hezbollah of the assassination, in spite of the terrorist groups denials of any role in the Hariri assassination. The Iran and Syria backed Hezbollah has alleged the prosecutor in the case is a tool of the Israeli government.

© Jim Kouri

 

The views expressed by RenewAmerica columnists are their own and do not necessarily reflect the position of RenewAmerica or its affiliates.
(See RenewAmerica's publishing standards.)


Jim Kouri

Jim Kouri, CPP is currently fifth vice-president of the National Association of Chiefs of Police... (more)

Subscribe

Receive future articles by Jim Kouri: Click here

More by this author

September 10, 2017
Trump Justice: 'Dreamer' wanted for murder nabbed by feds in NJ and extradited


July 26, 2017
NJ 12-year-old's suicide a plea for cyber-bullying law: GOP candidate Heather Darling


June 12, 2017
Obama hampered law enforcement investigation of Iranian terrorism funding


June 2, 2017
Prez of Young Democrats and Mayor de Blasio staffer busted for kiddie porn; one victim 6-mos. old


May 29, 2017
The conservative approach to taxation and a healthy business climate


May 24, 2017
U.S. intelligence reports warn of cyber "Cold War"


March 3, 2017
Media attack Trump's terrorism expert Dr. Sebastian Gorka


December 23, 2016
Trump's border wall: The bill was passed and signed into law


December 22, 2016
Dem lawmakers demand commission to probe Trump-Russia conspiracy


December 14, 2016
Outraged Vets: VA hospital death touted as proof of Obama and Democrats indifference


More articles

 

Stephen Stone
The most egregious lies Evan McMullin and the media have told about Sen. Mike Lee

Siena Hoefling
Protect the Children: Update with VIDEO

Stephen Stone
Flashback: Dems' fake claim that Trump and Utah congressional hopeful Burgess Owens want 'renewed nuclear testing' blows up when examined

Curtis Dahlgren
A funny thing happened on the way to Damascus

Rev. Mark H. Creech
Revelation Chapter 19: The grandeur of Christ’s return (Part 1)

Bonnie Chernin
Israel's abortion policy will imperil their security

Jerry Newcombe
An amazing story of redemption out of Pearl Harbor

R.T. Neary
Youthful medicine made in the USA—and it’s free of charge. Let’s manufacture a lot more

Cherie Zaslawsky
Israel in the crosshairs, Part Two

Pete Riehm
The world shares Israel’s problems

Peter Lemiska
The poisonous mix of imported hatred and home-grown ignorance

Michael Bresciani
Prophecy 2024: Major prophecies are closing fast

Selwyn Duke
For the West to live, immigration(ism) must die

Mark Shepard
Black Men for Trump – Makes a lot of sense

Cliff Kincaid
Will someone investigate the NSA?
  More columns

Cartoons


Click for full cartoon
More cartoons

Columnists

Matt C. Abbott
Chris Adamo
Russ J. Alan
Bonnie Alba
Chuck Baldwin
Kevin J. Banet
J. Matt Barber
Fr. Tom Bartolomeo
. . .
[See more]

Sister sites