After meeting with former MP Walid Jumblatt, the head of the "Free Patriotic Movement" Jibran Basil pointed out that he found many points of agreement with Jumblatt and emphasized essential topics, including support for the Palestinian cause and Lebanon's right to defend itself. He stated the need to make every effort to shield Lebanon and the Lebanese from the war that threatens them, ensuring there is no reason for anyone to hold them responsible for it. Basil considered that the circumstances require them to work more towards a national agreement that preserves Lebanese unity and leads to the reconstitution of authority through the election of a president first, followed by the formation of a government.
He added, "We discussed other matters, which I prefer to leave for a later time, but what is required is for us to be together as a voice of reason, as we are keen on the country and on preserving one another, because we are facing a war larger than Lebanon, and we must see how we will protect Lebanon."
For his part, Jumblatt highlighted the common ground between him and Basil and the Free Patriotic Movement, primarily focusing on how to prevent the outbreak or escalation of war in the country. This means being united as one voice to advise some forces not to expand the conflict since war could ignite from their side or from Israel's side. Jumblatt noted, "From Israel's side, that is not our concern; from our side, we must control matters and advise our brothers in Hezbollah to maintain the rules of engagement as they are."
He continued, "We have noticed that some concerned organizations are spreading in the South. We want this spread to be under the supervision and command of Hezbollah; however, if it spreads and pulls us into the unknown, that is a very dangerous matter."
Regarding the presidency, Jumblatt stated, "If we can agree on the presidency, I have no objection. We do not have a name to propose; we prefer to choose together with the wider team." In response to a question about the topic of the Chief of Staff, Jumblatt said, "We did not talk about the matter," warning that "this might be the most dangerous phase of wars during my entire political life; Lebanon's fate is at stake."
Additionally, caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati received Jibran Basil, head of the "Free Patriotic Movement," earlier today at the Grand Serail to discuss the current developments. Mikati also met with Minister of Justice Henry Khoury, who briefed him on his visit to Iraq to attend the "Iraqi Judiciary Day" celebration. He also met with the papal ambassador to Lebanon, Monsignor Paulo Borgia, and MP Yassin Yassin.
