Geagea Condemns Hezbollah’s Conflict with Israel

Samir Geagea, the leader of the Lebanese Forces—a Christian political party in Lebanon—has publicly criticized Hezbollah for unilaterally involving Lebanon in a conflict with Israel, without the consent of the Lebanese people. In a speech, Geagea accused Hezbollah of overriding the Lebanese state’s authority on matters of war and peace, highlighting the ongoing clashes between Hezbollah and Israel since October as unwanted by the Lebanese populace and detrimental to Lebanon.

Hezbollah, which did not disarm after Lebanon’s civil war from 1975 to 1990, possesses an arsenal that some claim surpasses that of the Lebanese army. While supporters of Hezbollah view this as a protective measure against Israel, critics describe the group as a “state within a state,” asserting that its actions risk escalating into a broader conflict that could devastate the region.

Geagea has urged the Lebanese government, which is currently operating without a president and under a caretaker government amidst a severe financial crisis, to press Hezbollah to cease its military activities against Israel. This plea comes amid a relative lull in border tensions following a significant escalation last month, with both sides seemingly cautious to avoid regional flare-ups.

Recently, Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon resulted in casualties, including the death of a Hezbollah fighter. The ongoing violence has led to significant loss of life on both sides and displaced tens of thousands of people.