Hezbollah leader ridiculed with Angry Birds in Lebanese TV video, drawing criticism
A recent video released by Lebanese broadcaster LBCI, which satirizes a Hezbollah leader and fighters using 'Angry Birds' characters, has sparked strong criticism from Hezbollah, who deemed the video 'offensive.' Hezbollah supporters condemned the video on social media, while some retaliated by depicting Lebanon's top Christian authority as a pig, raising sectarian tensions. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has called for unity, urging citizens to avoid personal attacks.
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- 📰 Published: May 3, 2026 at 16:00
- 🔍 Collected: May 3, 2026 at 16:31 (31 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 3, 2026 at 16:34 (2 min after Collected)
Central News Agency
(Beirut, CNA correspondents abroad on the 2nd) A recent video released by Lebanese broadcaster LBCI, which satirizes a Hezbollah leader and fighters using 'Angry Birds' mobile game characters, has sparked strong criticism from Hezbollah, who deemed the video 'offensive.'
Hezbollah supporters condemned the video on social media, believing it mocked their leader, Shiite cleric Naim Qassem.
Some, however, took retaliatory action, depicting Lebanon's top Christian authority, Maronite Patriarch Rai, as a pig. This incident has led to increased sectarian tensions.
According to Agence France-Presse, LBCI shared the video yesterday, in which Qassem is seen giving orders to his fighters, all depicted as 'Angry Birds' characters, while their opponents, the Israeli army, are portrayed as the green pig characters from the game.
Hezbollah stated that the video was full of 'vulgar insults, degrading political discourse to a disgusting level.'
Hezbollah called on its supporters not to 'get involved in a controversy manipulated by enemies.'
LBCI TV was founded in the 1980s by the Christian political party 'Lebanese Forces,' which is opposed to Hezbollah.
However, in recent years, LBCI has distanced itself from the 'Lebanese Forces,' attempting to build a more independent image.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun today called on the public to 'avoid personal attacks, especially given the current national situation, as such behavior will have negative consequences; the nation currently needs comprehensive unity even more.'
Despite Lebanon enjoying relatively greater freedom of speech compared to other Arab countries, media, artists, and comedians are still harassed for works deemed offensive to certain political or religious figures. (Compiled by Chi Chin-ling)1150503
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(Beirut, CNA correspondents abroad on the 2nd) A recent video released by Lebanese broadcaster LBCI, which satirizes a Hezbollah leader and fighters using 'Angry Birds' mobile game characters, has sparked strong criticism from Hezbollah, who deemed the video 'offensive.'
Hezbollah supporters condemned the video on social media, believing it mocked their leader, Shiite cleric Naim Qassem.
Some, however, took retaliatory action, depicting Lebanon's top Christian authority, Maronite Patriarch Rai, as a pig. This incident has led to increased sectarian tensions.
According to Agence France-Presse, LBCI shared the video yesterday, in which Qassem is seen giving orders to his fighters, all depicted as 'Angry Birds' characters, while their opponents, the Israeli army, are portrayed as the green pig characters from the game.
Hezbollah stated that the video was full of 'vulgar insults, degrading political discourse to a disgusting level.'
Hezbollah called on its supporters not to 'get involved in a controversy manipulated by enemies.'
LBCI TV was founded in the 1980s by the Christian political party 'Lebanese Forces,' which is opposed to Hezbollah.
However, in recent years, LBCI has distanced itself from the 'Lebanese Forces,' attempting to build a more independent image.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun today called on the public to 'avoid personal attacks, especially given the current national situation, as such behavior will have negative consequences; the nation currently needs comprehensive unity even more.'
Despite Lebanon enjoying relatively greater freedom of speech compared to other Arab countries, media, artists, and comedians are still harassed for works deemed offensive to certain political or religious figures. (Compiled by Chi Chin-ling)1150503
Choose to stand with facts; every sponsorship you provide is a force for protecting press freedom.
Download the CNA 'First-hand News' App to stay updated with the latest news.
The text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, broadcast, or transmitted publicly without authorization.