Qassem: Franjieh only presidential candidate for us

Hezbollah’s deputy leader, Sheikh Naim Qassem, has acknowledged a pause in the 2006 agreement with the Free Patriotic Movement due to differing viewpoints and disagreements on several matters.

In a television interview, Qassem mentioned that Hezbollah has chosen to avoid public disputes with the FPM, although communication channels remain open. Regarding Hezbollah’s response to the National Moderation Bloc’s proposal concerning the presidential election, Qassem stated that a definitive answer has not yet been provided as the party is still deliberating on their response.

Qassem questioned why Hezbollah should bear sole responsibility for the presidency when it is a collective responsibility and stressed that dialogue with preconditions would be counterproductive. He also highlighted that neither Hezbollah nor its adversaries could ensure the success of their preferred presidential candidates, affirming that Suleiman Franjieh is the only candidate Hezbollah endorses.

On the topic of the recent escalation in hostilities with Israel, Hezbollah’s deputy chief clarified that Lebanon is not on the brink of a widespread conflict. However, he asserted that Hezbollah is ready for any potential conflict, although he believes a large-scale war in Lebanon is unlikely.