Bassil Threatens Geagea Support If Hezbollah Backs Aoun

Jebran Bassil, the leader of the Free Patriotic Movement, has issued a warning to Hezbollah regarding its support for Army Chief Joseph Aoun in the presidential race, according to reports from local media outlet al-Jadeed.

Bassil reportedly informed both Hezbollah and the Amal Movement that he would back Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea for the presidency, but only if they agree to support Aoun. Geagea had previously suggested he might run for president if he could garner sufficient political backing. Bassil, in an interview with al-Joumhouria, expressed his belief that Geagea has strong Christian support, making him a legitimate presidential candidate, and he would be willing to endorse him if he could help unite the Lebanese people. Bassil also mentioned he preferred Geagea over both Aoun and Hezbollah’s candidate, Marada leader Suleiman Franjieh.

In an effort to end the political deadlock, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri has called for a parliamentary session on January 9 to elect a president. This move aims to break the two-year stalemate and revive Lebanon’s struggling state institutions. It is reported that delegations from France, Saudi Arabia, and the United States, who are visiting Lebanon this week, will advocate for Aoun’s election.

Lebanon has been without a president since Michel Aoun’s term expired in October 2022. However, the two main political factions—Hezbollah and its opponents—have been unable to secure a majority or reach an agreement on a candidate.

While Aoun is known to have good relationships with a range of political groups, including Hezbollah, he faces criticism from Hezbollah and its allies due to his ties with the United States, Lebanon’s key financial backer for the army. Aoun recently visited Saudi Arabia at the invitation of the Saudi King, and the presidential issue was reportedly discussed during the meetings.

The United States, France, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Egypt have all been working together for several months to help facilitate the election of a new Lebanese president.