Bassil: Hezbollah’s Ambitions Against Israel Are Delusional

Jebran Bassil, leader of the Free Patriotic Movement, has issued a pointed critique of Hezbollah amid the current skirmishes with Israel, highlighting the folly in believing that one group can dominate Lebanon’s populace while still aiming to overcome Israel.

During an iftar gathering in Jbeil, Bassil underscored the importance of maintaining Lebanon’s unity and the integrity of its state institutions. He emphasized the necessity of electing a president who would stand as the foremost defender against any forms of aggression, be it from terrorism or Israeli forces.

Bassil further stressed that the election of a president should take precedence over waiting for the conflict in Gaza to conclude. He critiqued the notion that Lebanon’s victory could be secured solely through military means, advocating instead for the strength found in the country’s cultural diversity.

He also reiterated the widespread desire among Lebanese to avoid war within their nation, noting that both the United States and Iran share this sentiment, contrary to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s alleged preference for conflict. Bassil questioned whether Lebanon should succumb to Netanyahu’s desires, leading to more destruction and death, or whether it should strive for a distinct stance by advocating for a ceasefire in Lebanon.

Bassil concluded by arguing against Lebanon’s entanglement in the ongoing Gaza conflict, pointing out the uncertainty regarding its duration and its potential repercussions for Lebanon.