The departure and subsequent return to Beirut of the Saudi Arabian ambassador, Walid Bukhari, following his consultative visit to Saudi Arabia, strangely coincided with the arrival and departure of Future Movement leader Saad Hariri, who spent a week in Lebanon from February 11 to 18.
Hariri came to Beirut during that time to commemorate the 19th anniversary of the assassination of his father, former Prime Minister Rafic Hariri, on February 14, 2005.
During this commemorative visit, Hariri conducted a series of meetings with various dignitaries, including Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati and Speaker of the House Nabih Berri. He also received political and religious figures, as well as delegations from the public. Furthermore, he seized the opportunity to pay respects at his father’s grave near the Al-Amin mosque in downtown Beirut.
It is important to recall that the relationship between Hariri and the Saudi government has remained enigmatic since the appointment of Mohammad bin Salman as Crown Prince in June 2017, particularly following the Carlton episode in November of the same year.
Hariri had tendered the resignation of his government while in the Kingdom, revoking it only after a personal intervention by French President Emmanuel Macron who accompanied him upon his return to Lebanon.
Although he denies it, Hariri’s withdrawal from political life in January 2022 is purportedly linked to a perceived lack of support from the Kingdom for his policies and alliances.
