Bassil: No Defeat or Victory in Hezbollah-Israel War

Jebran Bassil, the leader of the Free Patriotic Movement, expressed his support for Hezbollah in defending Lebanon but emphasized that he does not support putting the country at risk. He called for the full enforcement of the ceasefire with Israel and urged Lebanon to avoid getting involved in regional conflicts.

In a televised interview, Bassil acknowledged that Lebanon has lost its deterrence against Israel but stated that Israel cannot invade the country as it did in 1982. He emphasized that the situation is not one of defeat or victory, but noted that the Shiite community has learned that it cannot rely on other fronts or continue making poor decisions.

Bassil also pointed out that Hezbollah has not been militarily defeated and that the Shiite community remains strong and an important part of the presidential process. He added that the opposition should also be part of the equation.

He reaffirmed his preference for a consensual president and clarified that he does not see himself as a viable presidential candidate. Regarding Samir Geagea, the leader of the Lebanese Forces, Bassil stated that Geagea has the right to run for president, but if he changes his approach, Bassil’s party would have no objections.