Lebanon’s Jaafari Mufti Condemns Israel and Warns of Internal Division
Sheikh Ahmad Qabalan says Washington and Tel Aviv are seeking to deepen sectarian and political divisions in Lebanon
Lebanon’s Jaafari Mufti Sheikh Ahmad Qabalan condemned Israel, accused Washington and Tel Aviv of fostering division in Lebanon, urged President Joseph Aoun to protect national unity, and defended the role of the Lebanese resistance. These claims are attributed to Qabalan and were reported by IRNA citing Al Nashra; they are not independently verified in the available evidence.
## Verified facts
Lebanon’s Jaafari Mufti, Sheikh Ahmad Qabalan, described Israel as “absolute evil” and accused Washington and Tel Aviv of pursuing policies aimed at creating division and internal conflict in Lebanon. The remarks were reported by Iran’s IRNA, citing the Lebanese outlet Al Nashra, on September 19, 2026.
Qabalan called on Lebanon’s president, Joseph Aoun, to prevent foreign interference and to promote a comprehensive national agreement involving all Lebanese groups. He warned that Lebanon was facing a severe national crisis and said that abandoning southern Lebanon would weaken state sovereignty and undermine the country’s political system.
He also defended the role of the Lebanese resistance, describing it as a foundation of Lebanon’s sovereignty and crediting it with defending the south and the country as a whole. Qabalan rejected security agreements and annexes, saying that leaving the defense of southern Lebanon would constitute a major betrayal. He concluded by praising the resistance’s fighters and calling for renewed national unity between Lebanon’s Muslim and Christian communities.
## Interpretation
The statement combines three themes: opposition to Israel, rejection of foreign involvement in Lebanon’s internal affairs, and support for the continued role of armed resistance in defending the country. It also presents national unity and cross-sectarian cooperation as necessary to prevent Lebanon’s fragmentation.
Qabalan’s remarks are political and declaratory. The evidence records his allegations about U.S. and Israeli intentions but does not independently verify them or provide responses from Washington, Tel Aviv, President Aoun, or other Lebanese political actors.
## Uncertainty
The available evidence consists of a single report from IRNA citing Al Nashra. It does not include the original speech, its location, or the date on which Qabalan delivered the remarks. The report also does not establish whether his position reflects the official stance of Lebanon’s government or other religious and political groups.