Saad Hariri
On Saturday, Lebanon Prime Minister Saad Hariri announced his resignation from Saudi Arabia via the Saudi Al-Arabiya TV. During his resignation speech, Hariri directly criticized Iran and the Lebanese Hezbollah party.
“We are living in a climate similar to the atmosphere that prevailed before the assassination of martyr Rafik al-Hariri [Saad’s father]. I have sensed what is being plotted covertly to target my life,” Hariri said during his televised speech.
Hariri also accused Iran of wreaking havoc in Syria, Iraq, Yemen and other Arab countries. He went on and some sides of plotting to assassinate him.
“I have sensed what is being plotted covertly to target my life,” Hariri said.
Hariri resignation was criticized by most Lebanese politics for the lack of realistic reasons, especially that the situation in Lebanon is now calm. Many Lebanese public figures also criticized the fact that Harrier announced his resignation from Saudi Arabia, not Lebanon.
Meanwhile, the Lebanese presidency announced that Hariri informed Lebanon President Michel Aoun of his resignation over the phone before announcing it. The presidency added that Aoun will discuss with Hariri the circumstances of his resignation, when he returns to Lebanon from Saudi Arabia.
مكتب الاعلام في رئاسة الجمهورية: الرئيس عون ينتظر عودة الرئيس الحريري الى بيروت للاطلاع منه على ظروف الاستقالة ليُبنى على الشيء مقتضاه
— Lebanese Presidency (@LBpresidency) November 4, 2017
Hariri’s decision to resign was clearly motivated by Saudi Arabia for some reasons. Even the Lebanese Future TV, which is owned by Hariri had not known in advance of the resignation, or even broadcasted Hariri’s speech.
The resignation of Hariri will likely create a long standing political problem in Lebanon. Previously, Lebanon stayed for a two years term without a president before the Lebanese parties reached an agreement and elected Aoun on 31 October 2016.
