Judiciary expected to seek Qmati's arrest over coup remarks

by Naharnet Newsdesk 17 March 2026, 13:57

The Lebanese judiciary is expected to seek the arrest of Hezbollah official Mahmoud Qmati, after he threatened that his group can overthrow the government and take over the country, the Nidaa al-Watan newspaper reported on Tuesday.

In an interview, Qmati has warned that his party is "capable of overthrowing the country and the government," adding that Hezbollah's "patience" has "limits."

Qmati stated that "the Vichy government used to arrest and execute resistance fighters, then it was overthrown and its traitors were executed," adding: "God willing, we won't reach that point."

He continued: "Based on the current circumstances and positions, a direct confrontation with this political authority seems inevitable after the war ends, regardless of the outcome."

He asserted that "the government in Lebanon is no longer fit to govern the country."

He also added that "this government's stances only serve the Israeli enemy," emphasizing that "a confrontation is coming, and the traitors will pay the price for their treachery."

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