Lebanese UN Delegation Criticized for Avoiding Netanyahu's Speech

A Lebanese political source revealed that the Lebanese delegation to the UN General Assembly deliberately left the hall during Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech to avoid angering Hezbollah. The source, who opposes Hezbollah, told Kan News that the delegation also held an unusual meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the UN assembly.

The source questioned the purpose of meeting with the Iranian president, stating, "These meetings with the Iranians only give them legitimacy to continue interfering in Lebanon, contrary to the direction the leadership is leading. What benefit is there in this?" This Lebanese conduct is seen as occurring within a broader context of strategic calculation, with Beirut carefully considering its moves in light of upcoming elections in Israel and the United States.

Netanyahu's speech at the UN General Assembly on Wednesday was met with walkouts by dozens of representatives and protests outside the venue. Responding to the walkouts, Netanyahu stated, "If there are still cowards here who haven't left yet, please, leave now."

Earlier, Kan News reported that Lebanon had requested a postponement of negotiation talks with Israel, originally scheduled for this month in Rome. This request reportedly came in response to IDF activity on the Ali Taher ridge. Shortly before that, Kan News had reported that the IDF was expected to reduce its forces in the ridge area.