Geagea Accepts Presidential Vote Session Without Shiite Participation

Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea stated that he would support holding a parliamentary session to elect a new president, even if Shiite MPs choose not to participate. He argued that both the constitution and the National Pact permit such a session, questioning whether a rejection by any sect, such as the Maronites, should lead to a standstill in the country’s operations.

Commenting on the ongoing Israel-Hezbollah conflict, Geagea predicted it would continue for another three to four months. He suggested that both sides see this period as a chance to strengthen their positions before any restrictions on their actions are put in place.

According to Geagea, Israel has advanced more quickly in southern Lebanon, occupying approximately 200 square kilometers in a month, compared to the eight to nine months it took to control 360 square kilometers in Gaza. He added that Israel appears to be preparing for the next phase of its operations.

Geagea also shared his belief that the conflict might escalate into a larger confrontation involving a strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, especially following Donald Trump’s recent election as U.S. president.

Regarding the Lebanese presidency, Geagea noted that many parliamentary blocs back Army Commander General Joseph Aoun for the position. While acknowledging Aoun as a serious candidate, Geagea said the Lebanese Forces would engage in discussions with him to understand his stance on various issues before officially supporting him.

Geagea expressed his view that a “consensual president” or “consensual government” does not fulfill the genuine role of either institution. On the question of Hezbollah’s future participation in government, he stated that Hezbollah could participate if it transforms into a purely political party, adding that he does not foresee the group retaining its weapons under any political settlement.