Samir Geagea, the President of the Lebanese Forces Party, confirmed in an interview with the electronic newspaper "Al-Modon" that "work is underway on the initiative launched by the Lebanese Forces regarding the need to deploy the army in the south as the only entity, along with peacekeeping forces, to protect the borders. Some people find this idea overwhelming now, but in difficult circumstances, we must present matters as they are. Our meetings and communications are ongoing to reach the best formula for presenting the subject."
He pointed out that "the easiest and shortest means is for the government to call for a meeting to discuss the matter. We will wait a few days for such a ‘miracle’ to happen. In the meantime, we are discussing with some of our allies to prepare a petition to be submitted to the parliament to hold a special session, resulting in an exceptional recommendation sent to the government in this regard."
In a comment on the possibility of such a proposal being dismissed, he stated, "We will have no choice but to raise political demands and amplify our voices to emphasize the necessity of protecting Lebanon. This is a battle that does not involve party or factional interests. Here we are talking about the fate of Lebanon and the Lebanese."
Geagea reminded everyone that UN Resolution 1701, which was unanimously adopted by the Lebanese government, including Hezbollah, stipulates that there should be no armed groups or weapons except for the Lebanese army and UNIFIL forces. He clarified that "if Israel violates this resolution, we must enforce it ourselves to be safe and eliminate any justifications for Israeli aggression."
He added, "Israel has long wished to do what it is doing in Gaza today. However, it found justification in what happened on October 7. Therefore, while Israel's intentions may be aggressive, we should not give it any justifications." He considered his initiative "to withdraw Hezbollah and armed groups from the south as a means to enhance the chances of saving Lebanon, and this is what every country advises us: keep your country neutral."
Geagea stressed that "what is required now is to prevent Lebanon from being dragged into the inferno. What is happening is a significant struggle between America and Iran, and there is absolutely no justification for Lebanon, through Hezbollah, to engage in this conflict. This has nothing to do with the deep empathy of the Lebanese people, wholeheartedly, with the Palestinian cause."
In response to a question about whether the stance towards Hezbollah applies to the displaced from the south and the directives of the Lebanese Forces to their supporters in this context, he confirmed that "the position on Hezbollah has nothing to do with humanitarian solidarity among the Lebanese. A Shiite citizen, even if sympathetic to the party, bears no guilt."
Regarding whether he fears that any solution might come at Lebanon's expense in one way or another, he said, "This is not an issue. I rely on extensive communications with Arab and Western diplomatic figures. Also, the analysis of matters leads to the same conclusion."
He added, "After every major crisis, there must be a major settlement. What I heard from diplomatic circles emphasizes the need to find a solution to the Palestinian issue. We see the solution as a two-state solution. We all need to push towards that and contribute to it."
Regarding criticisms of the absence of the Christian role in this situation, he noted, "As for our contribution, each from his position and relationships. A political and principled position is always required and present, and expanding our capability to convey it is also needed. As for the zealous and passionate individuals who are 'worried' about the Christian role and contributions, I ask them where the role of the 300 million Arabs is? What are they doing? What is their capacity to influence? What role are the Christians of Lebanon supposed to play amidst conflicts fought by the armies of the world, with huge strategies on the table? Despite any good intentions, repeating this question among certain groups aims to discourage Christians."
Regarding the recent movement of MP Gibran Bassil, Geagea stated, "What did he propose in the movement? What he proposed is what most journalists write in their articles. What is required from a politician is to propose solutions, practical steps, working mechanisms, and a plan. All this movement is just talk and an attempt to keep himself afloat. If he had put forward a specific initiative, he would have set aside his presidential calculations and worked on 'strengthening' the army's position, which is the backbone of maintaining security in these tough circumstances."
