The head of the Presidential Leadership Council in Yemen, Dr. Rashad Al-Alimi, called on the Lebanese government to take decisive measures to stop the broadcasting and activity of media platforms affiliated with the Houthi group, which use Lebanese territory as a base for their incitement operations against the Yemeni state and neighboring countries.
This request came during official talks between Al-Alimi and the Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, where the Yemeni side stressed that the continued operation of these media outlets and platforms from Beirut represents a violation of diplomatic norms and a direct threat to the security and stability of the region, given the hate speech and violence they broadcast.
Background to media and diplomatic tensions
This demand comes within a complex historical context, as the Lebanese capital, Beirut, has for many years served as a media haven for numerous opposition movements and armed groups in the region, including the Houthi movement, benefiting from logistical and political support provided by influential local actors in Lebanon. This situation has led to frequent diplomatic tensions between Lebanon on one side, and Yemen and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries on the other.
Reports indicate that many Houthi satellite channels and websites are technically and media-wise managed from the southern suburbs of Beirut, which has led the internationally recognized Yemeni government to consider this a blatant interference in Yemeni internal affairs and a violation of the Arab League Charter, which stipulates non-interference in the affairs of member states.
The importance of the Yemeni demand and its expected impact
Al-Alimi's request is of paramount importance at this time, as the Yemeni government seeks to unify its ranks and curb the media rhetoric that fuels the conflict and prolongs the war. Observers believe that the Lebanese government's response to this request could be a pivotal step in restoring trust between Beirut and Arab capitals, particularly Riyadh and Aden.
Regionally, shutting down these platforms is part of a broader strategy to dry up the sources of sectarian and political incitement in the region. However, this issue faces internal challenges in Lebanon, related to the delicate political balance and the influence of forces allied with the Houthis, making the implementation of the decision a true test of the Lebanese state's ability to assert its sovereignty and uphold its Arab commitments to neutrality in regional conflicts.
In conclusion, the Yemeni side affirms that the historical fraternal relations between the Yemeni and Lebanese peoples should motivate the Lebanese government to prevent its territory from being used as a platform to harm the interests of Yemenis, and instead to work to support peace and stability efforts in Yemen.
