Middle-east Arab News Opinion | Asharq Al-awsat

Saudi Arabia on Crisis in Lebanon: “A distinction must be made between legitimate resistance and uncalculated adventures” | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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A man holding the Hezbollah flag inspects a bridge that was knocked down when Israeli air raids targeted it, in the suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon, July 14, 2006 (AP)


A man holding the Hezbollah flag inspects a bridge that was knocked down when Israeli air raids targeted it, in the suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon, July 14, 2006 (AP)

A man holding the Hezbollah flag inspects a bridge that was knocked down when Israeli air raids targeted it, in the suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon, July 14, 2006 (AP)

Riyadh, Asharq Al-Awsat– Saudi Arabia on Thursday blamed “elements” inside Lebanon for the escalation of violence with Israel , without naming Hezbollah directly.

“A distinction must be made between legitimate resistance and uncalculated adventures undertaken by elements inside [Lebanon] and those behind them without recourse to the legal authorities and consulting and coordinating with Arab nations,” a statement published on the official news agency SPA said.

“These elements should bear responsibility for their irresponsible actions and they alone should end the crisis they have created.”

Israel struck Beirut airport and military bases and blockaded Lebanese port on Thursday, intensifying reprisals that have killed 55 civilians in Lebanon since Hezbollah kidnapped two Israeli soldiers on Wednesday.

“They are exposing Arab nations and their gains to grave dangers without these nations having a say in the matter,” said the statement, which reiterated support for Palestinian and Lebanese resistance, against Israeli occupation.

Smoke billows from the Rafik Hariri International Airport in Beirut following Israeli air strikes, 13 July 2006 (AFP)

Smoke billows from the Rafik Hariri International Airport in Beirut following Israeli air strikes, 13 July 2006 (AFP)

Syrian citizens with their belongings rush to leave after Israel strikes Hezbollah's stronghold in southern Beirut, Lebanon, 14 July 2006 (EPA)

Syrian citizens with their belongings rush to leave after Israel strikes Hezbollah’s stronghold in southern Beirut, Lebanon, 14 July 2006 (EPA)