Kuwait reiterates its firm stance against Hezbollah as ties with Lebanon enter a new phase

Kuwaiti Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Al-Sabah on Monday reaffirmed Kuwait's firm stance against the Lebanese group Hezbollah, designating the group as a terrorist organisation prohibited from carrying out any activities within Kuwaiti territory. 

Kuwait's position is based on previous hostile actions and security violations involving Hezbollah operatives inside the country, which were confirmed by investigations and led to court rulings against those linked to or collaborating with the group. 

Sheikh Fahad, who also serves as First Deputy Prime Minister, emphasised Kuwait's continued support for Lebanon in all sectors, particularly in security cooperation, reflecting the country's commitment to Lebanon's stability and security. 

At a press conference following his meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at the presidential palace in Baabda, east of Beirut, Sheikh Fahad urged the activation of the Lebanese-Kuwaiti Higher Committee to explore ways in which Kuwait can assist Lebanon. He also noted that he would discuss the details of this cooperation with his Lebanese counterpart. 

When asked whether Hezbollah still has a presence in Kuwait, especially after the country's Court of Cassation officially designated the group as a terrorist organisation, Sheikh Fahad said: ‘It remains on our list of terrorist organisations and nothing will change.’ 

He linked this stance to Kuwait's broader security policy and warned against any attempts by individuals or groups to disrupt the country's internal stability. ‘Kuwait's security is a red line,’ he declared. ‘No party is allowed to operate in Kuwait.’ 

In August 2015, Kuwaiti authorities dismantled a Hezbollah cell known as the ‘Abdali Cell,’ composed of Kuwaiti citizens accused of possessing weapons and explosives smuggled from Iran by sea, intended for use in terrorist attacks inside Kuwait. 

Investigations revealed that members of the cell received military training in Iran and Lebanon from Hezbollah operatives and faced charges related to espionage on behalf of the group. 

Earlier this year, Kuwaiti courts handed down sentences to individuals convicted of financing Hezbollah, following arrests on security grounds linked to the transfer of funds from a charity committee in Kuwait to Hezbollah in Lebanon. 

Media reports at the time, citing security sources, indicated that the financing operation, disguised as charity, had been underway for years and had involved substantial sums raised in Kuwait. 

Authorities monitored members of the charity committee, intercepting communications that led to the exposure and prosecution of the network. 

In recent months, Hezbollah has suffered significant setbacks at the hands of the Israeli army, which has targeted senior leaders, including the group's secretary general. Meanwhile, the fall of the Assad regime cut off Hezbollah's arms supply routes through Syria, which is expected to limit its ability to operate effectively in Lebanon and elsewhere. 

This weakening has political repercussions, affecting Lebanon's relations with several countries, including the Gulf states. Hezbollah's former dominant influence often hampered relations between Lebanon and the Gulf and made Gulf countries reluctant to provide financial and development aid, fearing that funds could be diverted to the group. 

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun highlighted the ‘deep’ ties between Lebanon and Kuwait, which ‘are growing stronger every day, built on solid foundations of brotherhood, cooperation and mutual respect for the sovereignty and independence of each country,’ according to an official statement. 

President Aoun told Sheikh Fahad that Lebanon is keen to strengthen cooperation with Kuwait, highlighting the strong ties of brotherhood and affection between the peoples of the two countries, which make Kuwaitis feel at home when they visit Lebanon. He expressed his gratitude to the emir, the government and the people of Kuwait for their continued support and solidarity during Lebanon's crises.

Aoun also stressed the importance of coordinated efforts to address shared challenges, particularly in security cooperation to combat drug trafficking and threats to national security. 

Sheikh Fahad also met with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri at his residence west of Beirut and with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam at the government palace in central Beirut. 

In recent months, relations between Kuwait and Lebanon have shown positive developments aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation and restoring ties to their optimal level, despite regional political and security challenges. 

In May, the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, during a meeting with President Aoun, reiterated Kuwait's commitment to supporting Lebanon and improving bilateral relations and relations throughout the Gulf, with a focus on security cooperation, especially against drug trafficking. 

At that time, the Emir announced the upgrading of diplomatic representation between Kuwait and Lebanon to strengthen relations and ‘restore them to their optimal state,’ according to a statement from the Lebanese presidency, noting Kuwait's intention to overcome previous tensions caused by the influence of Hezbollah and Iran in Lebanon.