Samir Geagea: Hezbollah’s Weapons Are Lebanon’s Core Disaster, and the Diaspora Vote Must Be Rescued

• Samir Geagea blames Hezbollah’s arms for Lebanon’s collapse.
• Geagea demands disarmament for a stable state.
• Hezbollah’s weapons invite Israeli aggression, says Geagea.
• Geagea advocates for full voting rights for the diaspora.
• Concerns raised over Speaker Berri’s parliamentary practices.

Geagea Blames Hezbollah for Lebanon’s Deterioration

In a recent interview, Samir Geagea, the leader of the Lebanese Forces, unequivocally condemned Hezbollah’s arsenal, deeming it constitutional overreach as well as the catalyst for Lebanon’s troubling decline. While engaging with Al-Quds Al-Arabi, Geagea asserted that Hezbollah’s weapons violate both the Lebanese Constitution and national unity, stating, “This arsenal monopolizes strategic decisions and led Hezbollah to ally with the most corrupt forces just to protect its arms.” His remarks paint a grim picture of Lebanon, once viewed as the “Switzerland of the East,” now relegated to a hub of smuggling and drug trade due to unregulated borders.

Call for Disarmament and Political Will

Geagea dismissed the recent American proposal from envoy Tom Barrack demanding Hezbollah’s disarmament, emphasizing that it is fundamentally a Lebanese issue, not merely an external demand. He pointedly questioned, “Who inside Lebanon accepts this weapon?” His claim that Hezbollah’s armaments invite aggression from Israel underscores a pressing concern: without disarmament, he fears the collapse of Lebanese sovereignty. Moreover, he reflected on his history, recalling his imprisonment in 1994 for advocating against Hezbollah’s armament, indicating the long-standing nature of this struggle. He further scrutinized Hezbollah’s Deputy Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem and those who claim their weapons maintain balance with Israel, insisting that such assertions are misguided and invite violence instead of peace. Geagea expressed frustration over the current negotiations involving President Joseph Aoun, speaking about how five months of discussions between key players had produced little to no progress. He stated, “We won’t reach a real state without determination,” signalling the urgency for effective leadership and action.

Discussing Weapons and Voting Rights

On the sensitive topic of Palestinian arms within Lebanese territories, Geagea called for immediate disarmament in the camps, questioning the Lebanese state’s ability to address lawlessness. His confidence in the Lebanese army’s capacity reflects a worrying sentiment: the military has demonstrated its capability, yet falters when it comes to managing internal disorder. He expressed disbelief that Hezbollah could utilize its arsenal legitimately within Lebanon, suggesting that it mainly employs threats to maintain leverage. Turning to the matter of the Lebanese diaspora’s voting rights, Geagea lamented the inadequacies of the 1960 electoral law which limits expatriates to voting for only six parliamentary seats. This, he said, was a compromise made during Michel Aoun’s election that must be rectified lest expatriates feel sidelined in Lebanon’s political landscape. Addressing the logic presented by Gebran Bassil on this issue as nonsensical, Geagea insisted on the need for a return to a system where all Lebanese, regardless of location, have a voice in voting for the full parliamentary body.

Critique of Speaker Berri’s Management

In critical remarks directed at Speaker Nabih Berri, Geagea condemned what he referred to as ‘deceptive’ parliamentary management. He indicated that Berri has been introducing legislation without thorough debate while stalling efforts to amend Article 112, which restricts diaspora voting. Notably, he highlighted that 67 MPs had already signed this amendment request, pointing to the need for firm parliamentary action in the face of apparent obstructions. When asked about the consequences of this confrontation, Geagea firmly asserted that the Shiite bloc lacks the power to cancel elections, stressing the importance of preserving democratic processes in Lebanon.

Geagea Stands Firm Against Political Threats

Finally, Geagea addressed the Shiite factions’ threats regarding government stability, making it clear that such tactics will not deter their progress. In his concluding remarks, he confidently stated that should the need arise, they would take necessary measures for the benefit of Lebanon. His stance reflects a commitment to uphold the rights of Lebanese citizens and ensure genuine governance despite ongoing political tensions. Geagea’s belief in halting government action only if it no longer serves Lebanon underlines his determination to navigate through the country’s current crises with strategic intent, rather than succumbing to fear of potential collapse.

Samir Geagea’s interview sharply criticizes Hezbollah’s weapons as a primary factor in Lebanon’s turmoil, advocating for their disarmament and reaffirming the need for expatriate voting rights. He emphasizes the importance of a strong internal resolve for progress in Lebanese governance and highlights ongoing failures in the current political negotiations. Geagea’s commitment to preserving Lebanese sovereignty and democracy emerges clearly, illustrating the challenges ahead for Lebanon’s political landscape.