Minister of Industry Joe Issa al-Khoury during a press conference on April 23, 2025. (Credit: Photo courtesy of the Ministry of Industry)
On Saturday, Industry Minister Joe Issa al-Khoury emphasized the necessity for Lebanon to “remain neutral” in the war between Iran and Israel, while Hezbollah has openly rejected neutrality and expressed its support for Iran in its conflict with the Israeli state.
Speaking on Radio Liban Libre, Joe Issa al-Khoury insisted on “the need for Lebanon to stay neutral in regional conflicts,” noting that “Lebanon’s geographic and political position does not allow it to fight battles on behalf of others.” He also said that “Lebanon’s involvement in misguided bets can only lead to misfortunes,” calling instead to “adopt neutrality as a unifying national choice, guaranteeing the country’s higher interest.”
“The Hezbollah leadership must reconsider its positions, especially after the war it led starting on October 8, 2023,” the minister added, stating that this conflict “did not serve Gaza but rather brought tragedies to Lebanon, particularly in the South, where it caused human and material losses and had negative impacts on the economy and infrastructure.”
Tourism season 'affected in Lebanon'
Addressing the economic impact of the Iran-Israel conflict, Issa al-Khoury stated that “the tourism season has been affected by the current war and some reservations have been canceled in the short term.” However, he expressed hope that tourism activity would recover if the war ends before the end of June.
In this context, the minister hoped that “the conflicts will end and overall stability will be achieved.” He also mentioned “the first signs of peace, such as the willingness of the Syrian regime to engage in peace projects,” calling to “promote a culture of peace in Lebanon, away from attachment to wars.”
Regarding the state monopoly on weapons in Lebanon — a topic discussed almost daily in political circles and by officials since the beginning of Joseph Aoun’s mandate, who committed to achieving this goal — the minister recalled and supported the position of the head of state aiming to establish a timeline for the disarmament process.
Hezbollah stands 'alongside Iran'
The minister’s remarks come as Hezbollah continues to openly express its support for Iran through its elected representatives. Two days after the leader of the party, Naim Qassem, declared that he would act “appropriately” to support the Islamic Republic, MP Hassan Ezzeddine emphasized Saturday that his party stands alongside Iran, which “has never abandoned Lebanon.”
“Today, we are more attached to the approach and authority of Leader Khamenei, and we express our loyalty and great confidence in his wisdom, courage, and honorable leadership,” he added, while the Iranian supreme leader faces death threats.
Dozens of protesters demonstrated Friday in solidarity with Iran in the southern suburbs of Beirut and in Saida (South Lebanon), as Israel and the Islamic Republic have been exchanging deadly attacks for a week amid disagreements over the nuclear issue. Meanwhile, the Israeli state continues its near-daily strikes in Lebanon against alleged Hezbollah members and maintains a presence at five points it considers “strategic” in the south of the country.
This article was originally published in French in L'Orient-Le Jour.
