Bassil blames Israel, not Hezbollah, for border tensions

On Thursday, Free Patriotic Movement leader Jebran Bassil stated that the underlying cause of the current security situation is not Hezbollah’s presence, but rather Israel’s presence.

Bassil, who has previously criticized Hezbollah for its clashes with Israel following the Gaza war, emphasized that “the presence of Israel against the will of the Lebanese and Palestinians in the land where Jesus was born” is the main issue.

He explained that Hezbollah was formed as a reaction to this situation.

Bassil also mentioned that the FPM is working to prevent war, but assured that it would defend Lebanon if a war with Israel were to occur.

Since the conflict between Israel and Hamas began in Gaza in October, the Lebanese-Israeli border has seen almost daily exchanges of fire between Hezbollah and Israeli forces. Hezbollah has stated that it will cease fighting only when Israel ends its offensive in Gaza.

On Wednesday, Hezbollah warned that no part of Israel would be safe in a war, following Israel’s announcement of approved plans for an offensive in Lebanon, heightening fears of the Gaza conflict spreading further.

Since October 8, over 400 people have been killed in Lebanon, mostly Hezbollah fighters, but also including more than 70 civilians and non-combatants. In Israel, at least 15 soldiers and 10 civilians have lost their lives.