In a televised address on Saturday, Prime Minister Hariri announced an unexpected resignation saying the atmosphere in the country resembles that before the assassination of his father, former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafic Hariri, who was killed in 2005.
The politician pointed out he "sensed what is being plotted covertly to target my life," according to Reuters.
Hariri also lashed out at Iran and its ally Hezbollah, a Shi'ite militia operating in Lebanon for interfering in the affairs of Arab countries. He added that Tehran's arms in the region will be cut off.
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Reuters also reported that the resignation follows Hariri's recent visit to Saudi Arabia, where he met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and other high-profile officials.
He served a full term as a prime minister in 2009-2011, which was marked by tensions with Hezbollah. In 2016 he was appointed prime minister for the second tenure by president Michel Aoun, an ally of Hezbollah.
Hezbollah, established in the 1980s, is a paramilitary and political organization originating in Lebanon's Shiite population. The group initially aimed to end Israel's occupation of Southern Lebanon. The Lebanese government includes Hezbollah members. Hezbollah is considered a terrorist organization by a number of countries including the United States, Israel, and the United Kingdom.
