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In a December 9, 2024 appearance on Al-Mashhad TV (UAE), Lebanese journalist Nadim Koteich stated that while he does not consider Israel to be an enemy, it is difficult for him to witness Lebanon's destruction in the pursuit of defeating Hizbullah. Koteich emphasized that Israel exists in the region, and Lebanon should either seek peace or an understanding with it. He noted that while the situation is different for Palestinians, there is no reason why Lebanon’s issues with Israel cannot be resolved politically.
Nadim Koteich: "Personally, I do not consider Israel to be an enemy, but at the same time, it is difficult for me to see my country being destroyed just to bring about Hizbullah's defeat. I consider Israel to be a country that exists in the region, and that we should reach understandings or peace with it, especially because for Lebanese, Syrians, Iraqis... The Palestinians have different considerations with Israel. They have a different language, a different problem... But what problems does Lebanon have with Israel that cannot be resolved politically? None. A border dispute? A dispute over water, maybe? We had a similar problem with Cyprus and it was resolved. There are similar disputes between Arab countries. There is no dispute between Lebanon and Israel that cannot be resolved politically."
[...]
Interviewer: "Are you letting the Israelis off the hook for what happened?"
Koteich: "It's not about letting them off the hook. There was a war that was started by Lebanon. These are the facts. It's not my opinion. On October 8 [2023], there was no Israeli aggression against Lebanon. There was a war between the Palestinians and the Israelis. Lebanon declared – through Hizbullah – that it was joining the war, to support Gaza. Okay, it's over. The war ended. There is a ceasefire. But the war continues in Gaza, and Israel is occupying [territories in] Lebanon. Still, [Hizbullah] is calling this a victory."
[...]
Interviewer: "With all honesty, were you happy when [Nasrallah] was killed?"
Koteich: "It is difficult to be happy when someone is killed, but I was not sad. I am not sad when tyrants die."
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