ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ

The Lebanese Ambassador to the UK Rami Mortada was on the programme to discuss his government’s position on the Israel-Hezbollah war, the deepening crisis in the Middle East, and the impact of the conflict for those living in Lebanon.Β 

We have made clear throughout our coverage that Hezbollah is a separate entity to the Lebanese government.Β  However, it was legitimate for Emma Barnett to examine with Mr Mortada the Lebanese government’s approach to Hezbollah and their views of Hezbollah’s actions.Β  There were comments the ambassador made, for instance when he described Hezbollah firing rockets into Israel as β€œself-defence”, which it was fair for Emma to challenge.Β  While Emma did interject at points to provide context to our listenersΒ  to statements Mr Mortada was making, the ambassador was given time to make his points and put forward the Lebanese government’s perspective.

Similarly, the previous day, when interviewing Israeli Ambassador to the UK Tzipi Hotovely, Emma questioned Ms Hotovely on the aims of Israel’s ground operation in Lebanon and the calls from Israel’s international allies for restraint.Β  Emma also pressed the ambassador on whether Israel was doing enough to prevent civilian casualties in Lebanon, and the desire of the families of many of the hostages captured on 7th October for a ceasefire.Β  This interview came a day after Iran launched an unprecedented missile attack on Israel, so the implications of this was the focus of our interview.Β  However, we have spoken to many Israeli political representatives on the programme since the Israel-Gaza war began about Israel’s actions in Gaza.

We believe Emma Barnett conducted the interviews with both ambassadors in the thorough and duly impartial manner that our audience would expect, scrutinising the approaches of their respective governments to the escalating crisis in the region.Β