The leader of the Lebanese Forces, Samir Geagea, revealed that "the former Lebanese Forces official in Bent Jbeil, Elias Al-Hassruni, was kidnapped and killed, and it was not just an accident." He emphasized that "what happened was an organized killing, and the videos showed that the incident was not a random occurrence. We communicated with the security agencies and submitted the videos to them. Now, after about a week of investigations, no information has been released by these agencies, hence our increasing doubts." In an interview with the newspaper "An-Nahar," Geagea stated: "We are waiting for the security agencies' findings, but based on the available evidence, doubts point to Hezbollah's involvement."
Regarding the incident in Al-Kahaleh, Geagea urged Hezbollah to "properly assess the incident, not according to the logic of 'let one fall from above.'" He said: "The incident showed that a significant majority of Lebanese people have developed absolute sensitivity towards Hezbollah and its practices. The signs are clear, as the residents of Al-Kahaleh, irrespective of their political affiliations, took to the streets when they learned that the truck belonged to Hezbollah. Additionally, Fadi Bjeany, who was killed in the incident, is from the Al-Waad party and is affiliated with the Free Patriotic Movement."
He pointed out that "the main lesson from the incident is that a substantial majority of the Lebanese people are now against the actions and practices of the 'party'." Commenting on Hezbollah's statement following the incident, and whether it implied a threat to anyone who might harm the resistance's security, Geagea considered that "with the army and its proper responsibility, none of this is valid, does not yield results, and is not beneficial." He deemed the labeling of Al-Kahaleh residents as "militias" as unacceptable.
In this context, Geagea responded to the comments of MP Mohammad Raad, who spoke about "the role of Al-Kahaleh residents during the Israeli presence in Lebanon," by saying: "Al-Kahaleh is, now and in the past and future, and at all times. You have no say in how Al-Kahaleh behaves in any given time and circumstance. Every party has the freedom to choose how it acts and the methods it employs based on the existing conditions. To suggest that all people should conform to your perspective or else be considered traitors is unacceptable; Al-Kahaleh has always been national, sovereign, and resilient."
Concerning the performance of the head of the Free Patriotic Movement, MP Gebran Bassil, Geagea expressed dissatisfaction, questioning Bassil's continued negotiations with Hezbollah after all that has transpired from Ain Ebel to Al-Kahaleh, in the context of popular rejection of the 'party' and its practices, as if nothing had happened. He described the negotiations between Bassil and Hezbollah as "a major deception," hinting that "Bassil is trading genuine national issues for personal gains." He stated: "Bassil always tries to convey the impression that he is negotiating national interests while, in fact, it is about personal or factional benefits. The evidence is that he (Bassil) says he is negotiating with Hezbollah about the presidency to gain national demands, the first of which is the establishment of the state, while the party that obstructs the establishment of the state is the 'resistance axis,' led by Hezbollah through its actions and behavior. Can one agree with the team that undermines the state on the project of establishing the state? Is it reasonable to grant Hezbollah the presidency and support its candidate while it is considered one of the greatest obstacles to the establishment of a state?"
Geagea addressed Bassil: "Are you going to give them the presidency of Lebanon to obtain these matters?" He added: "Unfortunately, despite all that has happened, Bassil has not learned from past experiences; he remains the same, attempting to convey that he works for national interest while negotiating for personal or factional gains to further pursue Hezbollah's candidate."
Regarding the report published by Alvarez and Marsal, Geagea expressed shock, stating: "It represents a major scandal. From the very first moment, it was referred to a committee of specialists within the Lebanese Forces to discuss, study, and take an appropriate position on it. However, while the study process is ongoing, it seems we are heading towards indicting several individuals and officials because the responsibilities in the report are clearly outlined. For example, the finance ministers during the period discussed should be indicted, as well as the central bank governor, the government commissioner at the central bank, and members of the central council. There is a very significant scandal, but we are waiting for what the committee will conclude from studying and discussing the report."
