Lebanon’s interim Prime Minister Najib Mikati says he has not had contact with Hezbollah representatives in weeks, even though the militia has two cabinet ministers and 13 representatives in the Lebanese parliament.
“There has been no communication with Hezbollah since the middle of last month,” Mikati told Al Arabiya news channel. He did not reveal how he had communicated with the Iran-backed Shiite organization in the past.
Mikati’s statement indicates that Hezbollah leaders are proceeding cautiously and limiting contact with others since Israel began expanding military operations in Lebanon several weeks ago.
Hezbollah leaders are said to frequently change locations following the assassination of leader Hassan Nasrallah and other senior commanders.
Hezbollah plays an important role in Lebanese public life, apart from its military activities. It provides social services including schools and hospitals. It has entered into coalitions with other parties.
