Lebanese President Aoun Blames 'Deep State' as Sectarian Tensions Rise

Aoun asserted Lebanon's internal security was under control despite rising sectarian tensions.

He denounced those who fuel unrest as committing acts worse than the Israeli attacks.

Ash-Sharq Al-Awsat

The attack on Ain Saade killed three Lebanese including a senior figure in the Lebanese Forces party.

The Lebanese army increased patrols and deployed forces around key sites.

Tensions rose following the Israeli strike on Ain Saade.

Israel said the target survived, while media reported a motorcycle rider sped away.

Ash-Sharq Al-Awsat

The Lebanese army said the person was a delivery worker who had been delivering medicines.

The army urged against speculation about sensitive security issues.

Samir Geagea accused Lebanon of functioning like a deep state of assassination and intimidation.

“Lebanon has doubled its internal security measures to bolster safety and reassure citizens in the wake of tensions that escalated after the killing of three Lebanese, including a senior figure in the Lebanese Forces party, in an Israeli strike on the Ain al-Saadah area in East Beirut, while the Lebanese president Joseph Aoun stressed that he will not allow sedition and described the current security situation as under control, with no fear of sectarian strife or internal security breakdown”

Ash-Sharq Al-Awsat

He pointed the finger of responsibility at President Aoun.

The Cabinet convened an emergency meeting and appointed a fact-finding committee.

Analysts warn that Israeli strikes may feed a wicked cycle of revenge.