Lebanese Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblatt affirmed that "Lebanon can keep its head above water amidst the struggle of nations." In an interview with LBC International, Jumblatt stated: "Lebanon can maintain its standing in the face of the conflict between nations, knowing that there are things we can do and others better not to tackle, as they don't concern us." Jumblatt addressed Hezbollah's Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah, saying: "You can send drones and launch missiles, but try to think about the reaction. Even if you believe you have military parity, one must be cautious in these moments."
Jumblatt added: "It is possible to implement some reforms without sovereignty; capital control is unrelated to sovereignty, but smuggling is connected to border sovereignty and must be controlled in this context." The head of the Progressive Socialist Party asked: "Did Nasrallah speak about banking secrecy or capital control? In his political and economic system, he is outside of our realm, as he has his own bank, namely the 'Hasan Loan,' hence we have greater freedom to operate in this context."
Commenting on the potential for war between Hezbollah and Israel, Jumblatt remarked: "No one can prevent war; if it happens, we must accept it, and what we can do is draw Nasrallah's attention to the negative repercussions of war on us." He pointed out that "if war breaks out, it will be a mutual self-destruction; however, internal support remains, as the Lebanese people believe in solidarity despite the consequences." He added: "Lebanon can maintain its composure... we want reforms according to the conditions of the International Monetary Fund, and let Hezbollah do its best to keep us out of war."
Regarding the issue of gas exploration in southern Lebanese waters, Jumblatt explained: "Iran tells the Americans that it is difficult for Israel to explore oil and gas in a sensitive area like Karish without our consent, but this should not distract us from internal affairs. Moreover, Russia might send messages to the West indicating that if you do not want Russian gas, extracting gas from the Mediterranean Sea is prohibited." He emphasized the necessity of "proceeding with the essential reforms that Lebanon needs, which are separate from regional and international issues."
Jumblatt stressed the need to establish "a national oil company and a sovereign wealth fund for oil as Norway and Kuwait did, later followed by Arab states," considering that "if everyone has an oil company 'in their pocket,' it is better not to extract gas at all."
