Political sources have revealed that "Hezbollah," contrary to recent reports, is not inclined to mediate to revive discussions and consultations that could remove the obstacles delaying the formation of the government. These obstacles were exacerbated by Bassil, who unjustifiably decided to attack all major political components involved in forming the government, except for his ally, "Hezbollah."
The sources attribute this to the fact that "Hezbollah" is not willing to pressure its ally Bassil and is steadfast in its decision to accommodate him, despite being aware that Bassil, acting as a shadow president in the absence of any role for Aoun, is the one hindering the government formation. They noted that the party's Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah did not propose any initiative in his recent speech to clear these obstacles; rather, he attempted to circumvent the formation of an 18-member government by suggesting a settlement that would be challenging to market since he proposed an expansion in exchange for understanding Hariri's request for the Ministry of Interior and his rejection of a guaranteed third in the government.
Furthermore, they mentioned that Nasrallah indirectly suggested to Hariri to enter into a trade-off regarding his conditions in exchange for agreeing to expand the government to ensure representation for MP Talal Arslan, despite "Hezbollah" previously agreeing to an 18-member government and later reversing that position in solidarity with Aoun, who had also gone back on his commitment to Hariri regarding the formation of an 18-member cabinet.
The sources observed that Bassil made the decision to alienate all political components except for "Hezbollah," believing he could portray himself to the Christian street as the sole victim in hopes of reviving his political standing. They emphasized that the party refuses to pressure its ally not only to consider the absence of a Christian ally providing political cover but also because Bassil represents its first line of defense in postponing government formation until the situation regarding the potential resumption of American-Iranian negotiations—possibly involving European Union countries—becomes clearer.
Thus, according to the sources, "Hezbollah" is not in a position to act as a mediator, although it occasionally communicates with Hariri, while insisting on keeping the government formation process in service of Bassil, who stands in for Aoun in holding it hostage. Additionally, "Hezbollah" distances itself from undermining the initiative proposed by its ally, Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri, which still exists without leveraging its surplus power to facilitate its promotion to avoid clashing with its other ally, Bassil.
