Aoun Criticizes Hezbollah’s Southern Front Activation

Michel Aoun, the former president of Lebanon and the founder of the Free Patriotic Movement, has subtly criticized Hezbollah’s decision to open the southern front against Israel in solidarity with Hamas in Gaza. Aoun highlighted that Lebanon does not have a defense pact with Gaza and pointed out that only the Arab League has the authority to coordinate such efforts across different fronts. He emphasized that the decision was made by a segment of the Lebanese population without government consensus, suggesting that victories should benefit the entire nation, not just a part of it.

Aoun expressed skepticism about the argument that engaging in the conflict would deter an Israeli attack on Lebanon, suggesting instead that it might escalate risks. He also cautioned against interpreting the situation in Gaza and southern Lebanon as leverage for a presidential agreement, viewing it as a threat to Lebanon’s sovereignty. The sacrifices of the martyrs, he warned, would be in vain if such a path were taken.

He reiterated the importance of electing a president through proper parliamentary procedures and criticized the blocking of quorum tactics used prior to his own election in 2016, a move he justified at the time due to opposition to his candidacy. Aoun lamented the current political divisions and the complexity of reaching an agreement, likening it to the complicated situation of the war’s resolution.

Furthermore, Aoun warned against attempts to undermine the president’s powers, labeling it a severe threat to the Taif Accord and the Lebanese constitution. He suggested that caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati’s actions were supported by others, hinting at an illegitimate government and stressing the need for unanimity in electing a president as mandated by the constitution.