Beirut: Lebanese Forces Leader, Samir Geagea, articulated in an interview with Politico newspaper that Lebanon is currently facing a significant chance to detach itself from Iran’s oppressive influence. He emphasized that “there is no Hezbollah and Iran – there’s just Iran,” highlighting the absence of borders for Tehran between Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, and Syria.
According to National News Agency – Lebanon, Geagea contends that this moment could be pivotal for Lebanon if it manages to navigate the situation correctly. He expressed hope that Hezbollah might have no option but to disarm and dissolve its forces should the parliament mandate it. Additionally, he believes the Shia community in Lebanon will gradually come to realize the fallacies in Hezbollah’s past narratives and acknowledge the detrimental path they have been led down.
When questioned by the newspaper if Israel was assisting Lebanon by attacking Hezbollah, Geagea, while acknowledging his Lebanese identity, stated his disapproval of any assault on
Lebanon. However, he conceded that the consequences of the conflict present another dimension, noting that Israel has its priorities, as does Lebanon.
Geagea lamented the absence of a genuine state in Lebanon for decades, with strategic decisions being made externally. He stressed the necessity for change to benefit Lebanon itself, rather than external entities like America or Israel. He called for politicians and parties to abandon outdated sectarian politics and pursue a clear path forward, as Lebanon cannot continue to endure a prolonged period of deception.
A crucial step, according to Geagea, is selecting a president, as the presidency has remained vacant for over two years due to political disputes and Hezbollah vetoes. He insisted that the chosen leader must be committed to implementing reforms. He mentioned General Joseph Aoun, the commander-in-chief of the Lebanese Armed Forces, as a suitable candidate, while also leaving room for other potential candidates.