Former MP Walid Jumblatt expressed his concern that Lebanon might not escape the possibility of war expansion, indicating that he and the head of the Progressive Socialist Party, MP Taymour Jumblatt, have instructed preparations to be made for receiving displaced persons from areas that may be targeted by Israeli aggression if it occurs. He affirmed that the mountain regions "will be open to everyone, whether they are Shiites, Sunnis, or Christians."
In an interview with "Politico," Jumblatt commented on the many books in front of him on the table: "I don't have enough time to read; today I am compelled to follow the news on my phone." He criticized what he described as a "lack of wise global leadership," blaming the current crisis on Washington for "neglecting the rights of Palestinians to establish an independent state," urging it to retract its support for Israel while noting that the solution to the crisis lies with the United States, Iran, and Israel.
Regarding U.S. President Joe Biden's visit to Israel, Jumblatt expressed concern over Biden's statements, considering them a "abandonment of America’s role as an impartial mediator in the conflict." He lamented the absence of leaders like former U.S. Secretary of State James Baker, former French President Jacques Chirac, and former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, concluding that the current international community "is not equipped to handle this issue and its potential repercussions on Lebanon."
In response to a question, Jumblatt stated: "We are on our own, and the Lebanese have turned into mere spectators of a catastrophe that could engulf them." Discussing his efforts, Jumblatt said: "I met with President Najib Mikati and President Nabih Berri to try to control the situation, but what can we do? Is there anyone we can talk to among the Americans or the French or anyone in the West? They all see terrorism everywhere and think it's a terrorist problem, while it is a Palestinian issue, and the international community has abandoned the Palestinians."
When asked what he would say if the Americans contacted him, Jumblatt replied: "There must be a ceasefire and the establishment of humanitarian corridors; twenty truckloads of aid are nothing, and the release of civilian prisoners is necessary." He added: "Then we must look at the bigger picture," which is the Palestinian issue and the despair of the Palestinians, which is the root cause of repeated regional explosions. Jumblatt questioned how Washington does not see how what happened in Gaza and to the Palestinians has impacted the entire region, as if they are deluding themselves that the two can be separated. He asserted that without a broad political solution, there is no hope.
Jumblatt viewed the U.S. actions as merely escalating tensions in the region by sending aircraft carriers and failing to see the larger picture, namely, achieving the establishment of an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel, for which broad outlines were agreed upon years ago at the Annapolis Conference hosted by former President Bill Clinton. He considered everything that has been done since then as "just talk," while at the same time allowing for more Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
Jumblatt emphasized that the notion of "crushing Hamas does not solve the problem; we must return to the basis, which is the two-state solution. We should see the bigger picture, but the Americans do not; they escalate everything in their speeches and by moving aircraft carriers here." He questioned: "Why do we need to bring two large aircraft carriers to the region? Is it for peaceful purposes? Is it to maintain peace or what?" He downplayed the likelihood of the upcoming meetings on Saturday leading to a solution, stating that the attendees "are not the key players; they have no influence; the key players are Israel, Iran, and the United States."
In this context, Jumblatt asserted that "the Americans can curb Israel if they decide to do so, but the only time the Americans ordered the Israelis to withdraw was in 1956 when the Israelis invaded Egypt alongside the French and the British." He pointed out that "Israel currently has every intention to invade Gaza and then annex the northern half of it." Regarding what he expects to happen if Israel invades Gaza, Jumblatt responded: "Then Hezbollah and Iran will decide what to do."
