The war of words between Lebanon's political leaders has finally turned into battles on the streets of Beirut. Today, gun battles have erupted in Beirut following a speech by Hezbollah's Secretary General, Hassan Nasrallah, in which he labeled the Lebanese government's decision to dismantle a Hezbollah operated communication network a "tantamount to a declaration of war."
Later, in his own televised address, Saad Hariri, leader of the Lebanese parliamentary majority, put the blame back on Hezbollah, saying: "What fate are you dragging the Muslims to - are you dragging us back to civil war?"
Tensions between Hezbollah and government forces had touched a new high on Tuesday after the government announced that it would close Hezbollah's private telecommunication network. The street fighting with automatic rifles and rocket-propelled grenades was reminiscent of the lawless days of the 1975-1990 civil war when various militias ran entire neighborhoods and battled over territory. With neither side apparently ready to back down, the situation is expected to escalate further.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia warned Hezbollah against escalating its confrontation with the government, warning that conflict would only benefit "extremist external forces," in an apparent reference to Iran.
"The kingdom urges the groups behind the escalation to reconsider their position, and to realize that leading Lebanon towards turmoil will not bring victory to any party except extremist external forces," the state news agency SPA quoted an official as saying.
Hezbollah and the opposition are backed by Iran and Syria while Saudi Arabia supports the Western-backed ruling majority. Has Lebanon become the new battlefield for Saudi Arabia and Iran, or is it edging closer towards civil war?
Jamal Dajani produces the Mosaic Intelligence Report on Link TV.