Lebanon FM says not member of Saudi anti-terror coalition

BEIRUT — Lebanon’s Foreign Minister recently clarified that the country is not a member of the Saudi-led Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC). This statement came amid widespread regional and international discussions about the coalition’s role and membership.

The Saudi-led coalition, which was announced in December 2015, comprises 34 Muslim-majority countries, including some from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, with the aim of combating terrorism and extremist ideologies. However, Lebanon has officially denied participation in this coalition. The confusion surrounding Lebanon’s membership arose when the coalition was hastily announced, with several countries, including Lebanon, reportedly listed without formal agreement.

Lebanon’s stance on this coalition is influenced by its internal political dynamics and its relationship with regional powers, particularly Saudi Arabia and Iran. Hezbollah, a significant political and military force in Lebanon, has strong ties to Iran, which complicates Lebanon’s potential involvement in a Saudi-led initiative given the geopolitical rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

The Lebanese government’s decision to distance itself from the coalition underscores the country’s delicate position in Middle Eastern politics, striving to maintain neutrality amidst the complex and often contentious regional alliances.