Controversial Article on Hezbollah, Lebanese Town Gets Deleted by Telegraph

(MENAFN) The Telegraph has taken down a recently published article discussing the ties between Hezbollah and the Christian town of Ras Baalbek in northeastern Lebanon, according to reports. The piece, which was online for only about a day, depicted the militant group in a favorable light while noting local opposition to Israel.

The article appeared on Monday amid Israel’s ongoing military offensive against Hezbollah, which has already resulted in over 880 deaths, more than 2,000 injuries, and approximately one million people displaced. Reports indicate that the campaign was launched in response to Hezbollah strikes on Israel, which were themselves retaliation for the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in a joint US-Israeli operation against Iran.

According to the now-removed article, Ras Baalbek residents developed a close connection with Hezbollah after the group defended the town against attacks by Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS) between 2013 and 2017. The militants reportedly also assisted with medical care during the Covid-19 pandemic, provided electricity generators, and even supplied Christmas trees.

“The relationship between the village and Hezbollah is stronger than with the Pope,” Rifiat Nasrallah, the head of Ras Baalbek, told the Telegraph, referring to the town’s 6,000-strong Catholic population. He added that members of the Shia Muslim movement “protect our churches” and stated: “Israel is our first enemy... Hezbollah is our friend.”

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