The departure of Major General Abbas Ibrahim from his position in the General Directorate of General Security has not changed the roles and responsibilities he carries. In fact, his tasks have increased at the request of both internal and external parties, serving as a "mediator for extraordinary humanitarian issues." The easing of official responsibilities has allowed him more comfort to tackle the tasks he holds dear, particularly the liberation of prisoners and detainees. General Ibrahim's agenda is packed with appointments, particularly with ambassadors and envoys, and he has several upcoming official trips abroad. His office in Beirut is a bustling hive of activity, but he dedicated some time to speak with "Kuwait News" about developments and expectations regarding Lebanon and Palestine.
He stated, "Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has no ability to refuse requests from the US, and all countries are waiting for a ceasefire to secure the release of their citizens held by Hamas. International support for Israel is unprecedented, and if the war ends, Netanyahu will likely go to prison due to negligence; Israel needs to rid itself of him. The war will stop and will not last long, as the Israeli Prime Minister is exploiting the world's power to prolong the war as a lifeline for himself. Netanyahu is buying time in an attempt to drag the world into war, and Israel loses much every day because it has no cause and its army is broken from within. Israel will not be able to achieve its objectives because it sets goals it cannot reach, reminiscent of the 2006 war when it aimed to eliminate Hezbollah."
He mentioned, "The level of bloodshed we see prevents us from standing by idly. A lawyer contacted me and asked for my help in securing the release of prisoners, and I was told that Hamas is the obstacle. I do not allow myself to mediate with Israel, nor have I requested any permission to intervene to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people. I contacted Hamas regarding their refusal to release dual nationals, and their response was that they wish to first release the injured. Hamas did not commission me for this task; I seek mediation solely for humanitarian reasons. I went to Qatar and met with Ismail Haniyeh there. In my opinion, Hamas's goal from the very first day of the attack is to empty Israeli jails. A Palestinian prisoner could once see his family once a week, but this became once every three months behind glass. That is why Hamas launched the attack, and they were not wrong. Hamas's objective in indirect negotiations with Israel is to release prisoners in exchange for the release of Palestinian detainees, numbering about 5,000. Hamas's request is logical, as there is no freedom without blood and no independence without sacrifice; all countries that gained their independence paid in blood, dead, and wounded."
General Ibrahim explained that "the purpose of Hochstein's visit was to emphasize the necessity of keeping Hezbollah out of the war. I stressed to Hochstein the need to neutralize Lebanon from the ongoing war in Palestine, and the other topics we discussed will be known when their results emerge." He pointed out, "The Lebanese army is present on the border and is carrying out its duties effectively. The state can control Lebanese and non-Lebanese groups attempting to pull Lebanon into the external conflict. We do not want to blame Hezbollah for everything; the army has ordered the arrest of individuals on the border, confirming that the Lebanese army is fulfilling its duty completely. No country in the world can fully control its borders, and Hezbollah is not responsible for preventing Palestinian factions from firing rockets at Israel; this is the responsibility of the Lebanese state. There are still rules of engagement, and the killing of a Lebanese family in the south is an attempt to provoke Hezbollah into entering a war with Israel, drawing the West into a broader conflict."
He continued, "There is an ongoing war between Hezbollah and Israel, with Israel determining the inevitability of escalation based on its performance. It seeks to engage in a regional war, whereas Hezbollah is acting consciously on the military level. Iran could potentially involve itself in this war depending on the gradual escalation, and only the Iranian authority is currently speaking on behalf of Iran."
He added, "I have not advised war, and Mr. Nasrallah determines Hezbollah's policies. The messages I conveyed to Hezbollah I consider an opportunity for re-evaluation of many matters. They may include a threat from the American side. Israel is the one that violated Resolution 1701, and Hezbollah exists in southern Lebanon as a legitimate resistance. The era of Israel entering the south has ended and will not return; if Israel attacks Lebanon more violently and Hezbollah does not intervene, I will criticize it. The Lebanese army should be solely responsible for the southern border, but the army is not currently capable of bearing this responsibility. Therefore, I call on all Lebanese to resist Israel in the south. I tell Mr. Nasrallah that the south needs protection, and we must maintain a position of self-defense."
Regarding whether maritime delineation is at risk and the status of land delineation, General Ibrahim said, "Maritime delineation is not at risk, while land delineation will be postponed." As for the presidential election file, he indicated, "We are in urgent need of electing a president. The council cannot produce a president, and foreign interventions have yielded no results. What prevents us from engaging in dialogue and electing a president with a majority? Internal movement is crucial for electing a president; we need to agree, to communicate and consult, and 'we cannot say we do not want to talk to each other.' Why the fear of dialogue? Regarding open sessions, I ask: Where might open rounds lead? We will not reach a presidential election amidst the divisions we are witnessing today. The Amal Movement and Hezbollah do not impose any candidate on anyone; everyone should bring their candidate and dialogue."
General Ibrahim urged the "Council of Ministers to appoint a Chief of Staff and a commander for the Lebanese army. There are maneuvers regarding extending the commander’s term. There is an opportunity to appoint a commander and a Chief of Staff if the Council of Ministers convenes. This matter should be removed from circulation for the morale of the military. I do not believe that American aid to the Lebanese army will be cut off, especially at this time, after the US has spent about 3 billion dollars on this matter. We will reach a solution, and there will not be a vacuum in the leadership of the army."
