Lebanon Envoy Left UN Hall to Avoid Provoking Hezbollah

The Lebanese delegation to the UN General Assembly reportedly left the hall during Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech to avoid angering Hezbollah, a Lebanese political source revealed to Kan 11. This move highlights the caution of Beirut's leadership, operating amidst a political stalemate influenced by upcoming elections in Israel and the US midterm elections.

Concurrently, the Lebanese delegation held an unusual meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the UN assembly. A Lebanese source from a camp opposing Hezbollah sharply criticized the meeting, telling Kan News's Roi Kais, "The purpose of the meeting is unclear. These meetings with the Iranians only give them legitimacy to continue interfering in Lebanon, contrary to the leadership's stated policy. What benefit is there in this?"

The Lebanese delegation's departure occurred on Thursday, alongside dozens of other representatives who left the plenum as the Prime Minister began speaking. Netanyahu commented on the representatives' exit, stating, "If there are any more cowards here who haven't left yet, please, leave now."

Lebanon's actions in New York follow its request last week to postpone a round of negotiations with Israel planned for this month in Rome, due to IDF activity on the Ali Taher ridge.