Why a Sovereign Lebanon Is in the Long-Term Interest of Both Israel and Iran

Were Iran and Israel to accept Lebanon’s status as a sovereign state, it would not only mark a principled decision aligned with the universal values of the UN Charter, but it would also serve the long-term interests of both nations. Unfortunately, both regional powers currently use Lebanon as an arena to vie for influence and settle mutual disputes, treating its territory, institutions, and people as resources to be exploited. This approach must change.

The most visible immediate threat to Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity is Israel’s expanding military presence in the south. Recent reporting in The National highlighted Israeli forces moving past the self-established “yellow line” into three villages, demolishing homes, and restricting local access to land. While these actions stem from legitimate security concerns following two major wars with Hezbollah and persistent rocket fire targeting northern residents from the Iran-backed militia, security cannot serve as permanent justification for destroying homes, displacing hundreds of thousands of civilians, and expanding territorial control. Such excesses threaten to undermine the current ceasefire and obstruct lasting peace.

Simultaneously, Iran’s longstanding support for Hezbollah has granted Tehran undue influence over Lebanese internal affairs, frequently undermining the Lebanese state and dragging the country into conflicts with Israel. The recent controversy surrounding Iranian ambassador Mohammad Reza Sheibani and his refusal to leave Lebanon underscores Tehran's heavy-handed tactics.

Despite these challenges, Beirut’s recent decision to declare Mr Sheibani “persona non grata” and insist that Tehran communicate exclusively through state institutions is highly significant. It signals Hezbollah’s diminishing influence and demonstrates an emboldened Lebanese leadership committed to reclaiming national sovereignty. Lebanon's active push to break free from Iran’s control, negotiate with Israel, and collaborate with other Middle Eastern powers is vital for both the nation and the broader region.

Positioned at the crossroads of competing interests involving Israel, Iran, Turkey, and others, the Levant requires a strong, independent Lebanon at its core to achieve stability and prosperity. However, the Lebanese people cannot rebuild their state after years of economic distress and conflict if external actors continue to interfere. Both Israeli encroachments and Iranian intransigence regarding the disarmament of Hezbollah represent major obstacles to progress. Ultimately, neither approach delivers security for Israel nor preserves sustainable influence for Iran in the Levant.

Maintaining the status quo is both counterproductive and unsustainable. A viable alternative is for regional actors to follow the example of nations like the UAE and Syria by establishing direct, mutually beneficial partnerships with Beirut. The essential starting point is to respect Lebanon not as a buffer zone, a battlefield, or a bargaining chip, but as a fully sovereign country.