Reuters: Lebanese PM Hariri resigns, attacking Iran, Hezbollah
BEIRUT (Reuters) - Lebanon’s prime minister Saad al-Hariri resigned on Saturday, saying he believed there was an assassination plot against him and accusing Iran and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah of sowing strife in the Arab world.
His resignation thrusts Lebanon back into the frontline of Saudi-Iranian regional rivalry and seems likely to exacerbate sectarian tensions between Lebanese Sunni and Shi‘ite Muslims.
It also shatters a coalition government formed last year after years of political deadlock, and which was seen as representing a victory for Shi‘ite Hezbollah and Iran.
Hariri, who is closely allied with Saudi Arabia, alleged in a televised broadcast that Hezbollah was “directing weapons” at Yemenis, Syrians and Lebanese and said the Arab world would “cut off the hands that wickedly extend to it”.
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WNU Editor: I guess he got spooked by this .... Saudi-owned TV says Hariri was target of assassination plot days ago (Reuters).
More News On Lebanon's Prime Minister Resigning Over Iran And Assassination Fears
Lebanon's prime minister quits over Iran and assassination fears -- The Guardian
Lebanese Prime Minister Steps Down After Blasting Iran, Hezbollah -- Voice of America
Lebanese PM Hariri resigns, saying he fears assassination plot -- BBC News
Lebanon's Prime Minister Resigns, Fears Plot On His Life -- NPR
Lebanon's prime minister resigns, saying he cannot tolerate Iranian interference and fears assassination -- The Telegraph
Lebanese Prime Minister Resigns Amid Tensions With Hezbollah -- New York Times
Lebanese prime minister suggests he fears for his life, resigns -- Washington Post
Lebanon PM Resigns, Bringing Saudi-Iran Proxy Conflict to the Fore -- Bloomberg