The visit of Saudi Foreign Minister, Faisal bin Farhan, to Lebanon last Thursday symbolizes a renewed interest from the Kingdom in the country, and an opportunity to tilt the balance in Lebanon against Hezbollah, and in the Levant – against Iran.
The Kingdom has previously supported political forces identified with the Sunni population in Lebanon, to ensure a foothold in the country and try to curb Iran’s influence. However, over the past decade Riyadh significantly reduced its involvement and financial aid to Lebanon, due to the weakening of its local allies, including former Prime Minister Saad Hariri.
In light of Hezbollah’s weakening, Joseph Aoun was appointed president and Nawaf Salam as prime minister, both identified with the camp opposed to Hezbollah and supported by Saudi Arabia. The Saudis are satisfied with these developments and see an opportunity to strengthen their influence in Lebanon: “From what I have seen so far and the ongoing discussions in Lebanon, I can be very optimistic,” said bin Farhan before his visit to Beirut. Even in Lebanon, there will be joy at the renewal of Saudi funding, and not without reason did Aoun announce that his first trip outside Lebanon would be to Saudi Arabia.
The expected investment from Saudi Arabia is not only for geopolitical purposes but also has an economic rationale. Furthermore, Riyadh is not interested in “throwing” money at Lebanon and watching investments go to waste again, so it seeks to see reforms that will root out the corruption that has spread in the country. The Saudi Foreign Minister even mentioned the importance of such reform after his meeting with the Lebanese president. The biggest test will be the disarmament of Hezbollah, an issue that Aoun alluded to in his first speech as president.
The Saudis are effectively abandoning the caution that had characterized them, demonstrating pragmatism and rushing to fill the vacuum left by Iran in various arenas. And Lebanon is no exception—it needs assistance for its recovery and this aid seems closer than ever.
Israel has a clear interest in increasing Saudi influence in Lebanon, especially if it can push Hezbollah and Iran to the margins. In fact, Israel’s military successes against Hezbollah are what allow for the renewed Saudi confidence, both vis-à-vis Syria and Lebanon.
The visit of Saudi Foreign Minister, Faisal bin Farhan, to Lebanon last Thursday symbolizes a renewed interest from the Kingdom in the country, and an opportunity to tilt the balance in Lebanon against Hezbollah, and in the Levant – against Iran.
The Kingdom has previously supported political forces identified with the Sunni population in Lebanon, to ensure a foothold in the country and try to curb Iran’s influence. However, over the past decade Riyadh significantly reduced its involvement and financial aid to Lebanon, due to the weakening of its local allies, including former Prime Minister Saad Hariri.
In light of Hezbollah’s weakening, Joseph Aoun was appointed president and Nawaf Salam as prime minister, both identified with the camp opposed to Hezbollah and supported by Saudi Arabia. The Saudis are satisfied with these developments and see an opportunity to strengthen their influence in Lebanon: “From what I have seen so far and the ongoing discussions in Lebanon, I can be very optimistic,” said bin Farhan before his visit to Beirut. Even in Lebanon, there will be joy at the renewal of Saudi funding, and not without reason did Aoun announce that his first trip outside Lebanon would be to Saudi Arabia.
The expected investment from Saudi Arabia is not only for geopolitical purposes but also has an economic rationale. Furthermore, Riyadh is not interested in “throwing” money at Lebanon and watching investments go to waste again, so it seeks to see reforms that will root out the corruption that has spread in the country. The Saudi Foreign Minister even mentioned the importance of such reform after his meeting with the Lebanese president. The biggest test will be the disarmament of Hezbollah, an issue that Aoun alluded to in his first speech as president.
The Saudis are effectively abandoning the caution that had characterized them, demonstrating pragmatism and rushing to fill the vacuum left by Iran in various arenas. And Lebanon is no exception—it needs assistance for its recovery and this aid seems closer than ever.
Israel has a clear interest in increasing Saudi influence in Lebanon, especially if it can push Hezbollah and Iran to the margins. In fact, Israel’s military successes against Hezbollah are what allow for the renewed Saudi confidence, both vis-à-vis Syria and Lebanon.