Lebanon’s Jaafari Mufti Calls Israel “Absolute Evil,” Warns of Internal Division

### BEIRUT — Lebanon’s Jaafari Mufti Sheikh Ahmad Qabalan has described Israel as “absolute evil” and warned that foreign efforts to deepen political and sectarian divisions could threaten Lebanon’s existence.

In remarks reported by Iran’s IRNA, citing the Lebanese news outlet Al Nashra, Qabalan said some regional and international actors were devoting their efforts to dividing Lebanon and intensifying internal disputes. He specifically accused Washington and Tel Aviv of pursuing a policy of “divide and rule” in the country.

“Division in any country threatens its existence,” Qabalan said, according to the report. He warned that a country affected by internal fragmentation could quickly collapse and “burn in the flames” of conflict.

### Call for national consensus

Qabalan said Lebanon’s president had the ability to prevent what he called a dangerous externally driven conflict. He argued that Lebanon could endure only through a comprehensive national decision and broad participation based on consensus.

The mufti said this was what he expected from President Joseph Aoun, adding that Lebanon could not afford to disintegrate during his presidency. He described the country as being on the brink of what he called the most dangerous national catastrophe in its history.

According to Qabalan, preventing international interference was the only path to salvation. He also said that hostility and resentment within society could make people vulnerable to their adversaries.

### Warning over southern Lebanon

Qabalan focused particular attention on southern Lebanon, saying that abandoning the region in its current situation would weaken state sovereignty, undermine the foundations of political participation and erase the meaning of the state.

He called for a Lebanon in which all groups participated and which maintained sovereignty and national solidarity. Referring to Lebanon’s history of conflict and sacrifice, he said the country’s people had not accepted submission, oppression or occupation.

Qabalan also praised what he described as the role of resistance forces in defending Lebanon. He said the resistance had not only defended the south but had also fought and sacrificed for the protection of the entire country, including in confrontation with what he called the world’s largest military alliance.

The remarks did not provide further details about the specific agreements or security addenda he criticized, nor did the report include responses from the Lebanese government, Washington or Tel Aviv.

### Appeal to religious institutions

Qabalan linked Lebanon’s national identity to both its mosques and churches, saying the country’s history of unity was intertwined with both religious institutions.

He called on churches and mosques to raise what he described as a national voice so that Lebanese people could stand together and renew national unity.

He also rejected the approval of security agreements and related addenda, calling them unacceptable. In his view, abandoning national defense in southern Lebanon would constitute an especially serious betrayal.

### Message to resistance fighters

At the end of his remarks, Qabalan addressed Lebanon’s resistance fighters directly. He said Lebanon had achieved victory through them and would remain stable through them.

The statements represent Qabalan’s position as reported by IRNA and Al Nashra. The supplied report does not independently verify his accusations concerning foreign efforts to divide Lebanon or provide additional evidence regarding the security arrangements he opposed.