Lebanese Journalist Threatened After Netanyahu Shares Interview

Lebanese journalist and activist Charles Jabour, known for his pro-Israel and anti-Hezbollah stances, has received threats after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shared an interview with him during his election campaign. In the interview, given recently in Lebanon, Jabour praised Netanyahu and his achievements against Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran, a position that caused public outcry in Lebanon. A source in Beirut told Kan News that Jabour has been warned by figures in the Lebanese political system to lower his profile due to fears of retaliation from Hezbollah, which already considers him an Israeli collaborator. Jabour stated he stands by his words and intends to continue speaking out, asserting that the situation is not his problem.

This incident follows a similar report last month, also by Kan News, that Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Rabie, a member of the Christian Lebanese Forces party, received threats and was instructed not to come to his office. Rabie is considered a staunch opponent of Hezbollah and had previously attempted to expel the Iranian ambassador from Beirut without success. A political source close to Rabie expressed concern that Hezbollah might attempt to harm the minister due to his positions, noting that the area where the Foreign Ministry is located in Beirut is considered an area where Hezbollah has operational freedom. There are also broader concerns in Beirut about Hezbollah preparing for war with Israel, funded by Iran, and potentially acting against the Lebanese government.