Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri resigned from office on Tuesday amid almost two weeks of mass protests across the country initiated by those demanding a change in national leadership, the Jerusalem Post reported.
Hariri’s resignation also means that the entire government will step down as soon as new elections are held.
“I tried to find a way to listen to the people’s demands and to protect the country from security, economic and living risks,” said Hariri. “Today, I have reached a dead end and we need a positive shock to end the crisis.”
Lebanese officials tried to convince Hariri not to step down, but he was afraid of a worst-case scenario if protesters did not get what they wanted. “Positions come and go, but the dignity and safety of the country remains,” stated Hariri. “No one is more important than their country.”
Protestors attacked
The resignation has not caused protestors to stand down, and Hezbollah terrorists attacked demonstrators in Beirut in an attempt to reopen roads that had been blocked by the crowds. 11 people were wounded in the incidents, which included gunfire and stabbings.
Tents set up by protesters were destroyed while the Lebanese Army and security forces stood by without intervening, at least initially. The tents were later replaced, and the military was deployed to stop the attacks.
The Hezbollah attackers are not affiliated with the Lebanese government; in fact, Hariri has been an opponent of the terrorist group, which is believed to have assassinated his father in 2005.
Protesters have chanted “Kullun yaani Kullun,” meaning “all of them means all of them,” to emphasize that the entire government, including those who are members of Hezbollah, need to resign.
Desperate attempt to retain power
The attacks on protesters seem to be a desperate attempt by Hezbollah to hold onto power in Lebanon as the country tries desperately to break away from the terror group. According to the Times of Israel, the Hezbollah is comfortable with Lebanon’s failing government because it is helping them maintain power.
A change of government and movement away from the current system altogether could throw Lebanon into even more chaos and disturb Hezbollah’s power base there.
At this point, though, it seems as though protesters are undeterred and are holding out for lasting change which could ultimately lead to a weakening of Hezbollah and movement toward a new system of government.
It may be messy for a while, but in the end, if Lebanon can fix its economic problems and break free from Hezbollah’s grip, it will be much better off.
No comments: