A Significant Anniversary
On February 14, 2025, Lebanon marked 20 years since the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. His son, Saad Hariri, who also served as prime minister twice, returned to Lebanon from the United Arab Emirates to honor his father’s memory. Rafik Hariri was killed in a suicide bombing in Beirut on February 14, 2005, along with 21 others. The attack was linked to HZB, a group backed by Iran, and two of its members were sentenced to life imprisonment by a UN-backed court in 2022. However, HZB has refused to hand them over.
A Changed Political Landscape
Saad Hariri returned to a Lebanon that has undergone significant changes. The recent Israel-HZB war, which began in October 2023, weakened HZB’s influence. The group, which has long dominated Lebanese politics, faced setbacks as its ally, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, was ousted from power. These shifts have created an opportunity for Hariri to make a political comeback.
Honoring Rafik Hariri’s Legacy
During the commemoration, Saad Hariri addressed his supporters near his father’s burial site in Beirut. He expressed deep emotion, saying, “Today, after twenty years, we have returned to this square to say to Rafik Hariri—we have missed you!” He emphasized that his father’s legacy lives on, not just for his political party, the Future Movement, but for all of Lebanon. Hariri described his father’s vision as one of moderation, reconstruction, and coexistence among all Lebanese people.
A Call for Unity and Responsibility
Hariri also spoke about the challenges Lebanon has faced over the past two decades, including economic crises and political instability. He acknowledged his own role in these struggles, stating, “We have never denied that part of the responsibility lies with us.” He called for unity and collective responsibility to solve the country’s problems, highlighting the importance of the new president and government in leading Lebanon forward.
A Message to HZB and Its Supporters
Addressing HZB and its supporters, Hariri urged them to embrace change and work together for Lebanon’s future. He said, “You are partners in this opportunity, and without you, it cannot be achieved.” He encouraged them to move away from being seen as a force of obstruction and instead become partners in rebuilding the country and restoring its reputation on the global stage.
Rafik Hariri’s Vision for Lebanon
Saad Hariri recalled his father’s commitment to the Taif Agreement, which aimed to build a strong, sovereign state with developed institutions. He reiterated his support for the current government and the Lebanese army, emphasizing the need to end Israeli occupation in southern Lebanon. Hariri also criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing him of avoiding peace and perpetuating conflict.
A Hopeful Future
In his closing remarks, Hariri expressed hope for Lebanon’s future. He assured his supporters that he would remain with them through all national milestones, saying, “Everything will be good in its own time.” His speech reflected a mix of nostalgia for his father’s legacy and optimism for a brighter future for Lebanon, built on unity, moderation, and cooperation.
