Elias Murr

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Elias Murr bigraphy, stories - Lebanese politician

Elias Murr : biography

30 January 1962 –

Elias Murr ( ‘) (born 1962) is a Lebanese politician who held different cabinet positions.

Accusations of sabotage

In December 2010 it was revealed by WikiLeaks that in 2008 Murr had offered advice on how Israel could defeat Hezbollah if a new war erupted on Israel’s northern border. It was also revealed that Murr "displayed clear sectarian bias in advising Israel not to attack the Christian areas of the country while apparently having no qualms about bombs falling on the heads of Shia civilians". He is quoted as having said:

“Israel would do well to avoid two things when it comes for Hizballah One, it must not touch the Blue Line or the UNSCR 1701 areas as this will keep Hizballah out of these areas. Two, Israel cannot bomb bridges and infrastructure in the Christian areas. The Christians were supporting Israel in 2006 until they started bombing their bridges. If Israel has to bomb all of these places in the Shia areas as a matter of operational concern, that is Hizballah’s problem.”

Career

In 2000, Murr was appointed interior minister, replacing his father Michel Murr. He was in office until 2005 when he was succeeded by Suleiman Frangieh. Murr was appointed defense minister in 2005.

Personal life

Elias Murr married to Emile Lahoud’s daughter Karine in 1992.

Early life and education

Elias was born on 30 January 1962 in Bteghrine. He is the son of former deputy prime minister and interior minister, Michel Murr.

Assassination attempt

Murr was wounded in a bombing in Beirut on July 12, 2005. The explosion happened in the city of Antelias 5 km north of Beirut. Al Jazeera reported two other people with injuries. Police stated one killed and a dozen injured.