Former MP Walid Jumblatt received the political assistant to the Secretary-General of Hezbollah, Haj Hussein Khalil, yesterday in Clemenceau, in the presence of the coordinator of the liaison and coordination unit, Wafiq Safa, and MPs Taymour Jumblatt and Wael Abu Faour, along with former Minister Ghazi Al-Aridee. This meeting was decided upon following a series of communications between the two sides to consult on the current phase, and it served as an evaluation of the situation. Jumblatt expressed his concerns during the meeting, and the discussion focused on two main points according to "Al-Akhbar":
The first point was the war in Gaza and its implications for the situation in the south and Lebanon in general. Jumblatt stressed the need for "Lebanon not to be drawn into war," sharing with the Hezbollah delegation the messages conveyed by French intelligence director Bernard Émié during his recent visit to Beirut, warning of the escalation that could push Israel into war. The delegation confirmed that the party feels concerned about what is happening in Gaza and has a commitment and responsibility; it does not hide this but rather affirms in all its operations' statements that these acts support Gaza, noting that the party does not claim it seeks escalation "but we cannot provide reassurances to anyone."
The second point discussed was the fate of Army Commander General Joseph Aoun, with Jumblatt expressing his support for his extension given the sensitive circumstances. The Hezbollah delegation responded that they "will not abandon the mother institution no matter the cost and are keen on its continuity and preservation due to its significant role, especially in these circumstances." However, the delegation did not provide a definitive answer but indicated that there are various options, including extension, appointment, delay of retirement, or appointing a chief of staff, emphasizing that they are "open to discussion and are still studying all options."
