Lebanese Parliament Erupts in Profanity-Laced Debate Over Israel Deal

A parliamentary session in Beirut devolved into a heated verbal exchange filled with insults between Hezbollah lawmakers and their political rivals. The conflict, which occurred against the backdrop of significant destruction and ongoing negotiations with Israel, saw accusations of collaboration and betrayal exchanged.

Hezbollah MP Ihab Hamadeh initiated the confrontation by telling opponents to "go check what the Israelis said about Ali al-Taher." MP Waddah Sadeq retorted, "Go check who brought the Israelis into the country!" to which Hamadeh responded with profanity and told him to "shut your mouth."

MP Ziad Hawat of the Lebanese Forces party accused Hamadeh of calling them "Israel's mouthpieces" and retorted, "You brought Israel into the country. You destroyed the country, you destroyed the South... No one fears you anymore." Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri intervened, expressing embarrassment and calling the scene "a disgrace."

Simultaneously, sharp criticism was leveled against the ongoing political negotiations and a framework agreement reached with Israel. MP Halima Kaakour of the Change bloc described the agreement as "shameful," emphasizing her party's support for state monopoly on weapons and decision-making regarding war and peace. "We are not defending Iran, we are defending ourselves," Kaakour stated, adding that Iran should not negotiate on Lebanon's behalf and that the current framework agreement contradicts justice, sovereignty, and legitimizes occupation.

Another Hezbollah MP, Ibrahim Al-Moussawi, defended the organization's role, referencing Lebanon's "Resistance and Liberation Day" and questioning the state's ability to defend the country. Conversely, MP Pierre Bou Assi of the Lebanese Forces warned Prime Minister Najib Mikati about the consequences of the political turmoil, fearing that any subsequent government would be unable to govern.