Former Deputy Speaker of the House, Eli Ferzli, affirmed that "the current situation amidst the presidential vacuum indicates serious repercussions."
Ferzli expressed his astonishment at the negative approach of the French initiative, stating: "By rejecting the French assistance sponsored by the Quint countries, we have turned our backs on Lebanon's friends and the whole world while awaiting the next settlement, whether from outside due to regional and international alignments or internally through a consensus between Hezbollah and the Free Patriotic Movement to elect Marada Movement leader Sleiman Frangieh, which is the best option that has been further strengthened following the rejection of the French endeavor."
Regarding the security situation in the country, Ferzli said in a statement to "Our Source": "I do not see a limited Israeli war in Lebanon; rather, I see it at the regional level as a whole. Therefore, the possibility of deterioration and war is equal to the possibility of settlement." He considered that "tensions may occur from time to time on the borders and even within the country, but they will not pose any danger to the situation in general."
On the implementation of the Taif Agreement or moving towards a new agreement to ensure Lebanon's exit from the current stalemate, Ferzli pointed out that "the re-drafting of a new constitution would constitute a fundamental reconsideration based on the current power balances in the distribution of authorities," stressing the importance of adhering to the Taif Agreement.
Ferzli also addressed Lebanon's relationship with Syria, noting that "Lebanon is not required to offer anything to Syria; rather, what is needed today is a strong Lebanese authority capable of resolving outstanding issues," accusing President Michel Aoun of "deliberately avoiding these files to keep them unresolved for unknown objectives," expressing great regret over his decision to support Aoun's election as president.
He observed that "the absence of Sunnis from the Lebanese political scene has a significant impact on the overall situation, especially concerning the election of a president." He added: "If President Saad Hariri, who faces no competition for the leadership of the honorable sect, were present today and carrying out his natural role, he would have greatly contributed to finding a solution to the presidential vacancy."
On the topic of oil, in response to the arrival of the exploration ship in the south, Ferzli confirmed that "Lebanon is capable of extracting oil despite Israeli threats that will not intimidate it, because if Israel undertakes any action against the oil extraction process, the response will be directed at its facilities."
