Hezbollah grip on Lebanon must end, says Christian leader

Maarab, Lebanon –

Lebanon’s hijacked sovereignty must be restored after an election denied the powerful resistance movement Hezbollah a parliamentary majority, said Lebanese Christian leader Samir Geagea.

“All strategic decision-making should return to the Lebanese state… security and military matters should be handled exclusively by the Lebanese army,” the head of the Lebanese Forces party said.

“No one… should be able to transport missiles from one place to another without the permission and knowledge of the military,” the 69-year-old added, referring to Hezbollah.

Geagea’s campaign for the May 15 election centred mainly on disarming Hezbollah, cementing his role as the movement’s staunchest domestic rival.

The Iran-backed Islamically aligned group, which held a majority in the outgoing parliament together with its allies, plays an active part in the Palestinian resistance.

Hezbollah is described by its supporters as a bulwark against Israel. However, the US and other Western states that are allied with Israel have blacklisted Hezbollah as a “terrorist” organisation.

Detractors argue that Hezbollah’s power undermines the state’s decisions on security and involves Lebanon in costly disputes deploying combatants and weapons.

“No one should be allowed to use their weapons inside the country,” said Geagea, who ironically rose to prominence as a militia leader during the civil war.

IMF & Gulf allies 

Lebanon is grappling with an unprecedented financial crisis widely blamed on corruption and mismanagement by a bickering ruling elite that has dominated the country since of the civil war.

The country has been battered by triple-digit inflation, soaring poverty rates and the collapse of its currency since a 2020 debt default.

International donors including the International Monetary Fund have preconditioned assistance on the implementation of key reforms which include the disarming of Hezbollah.

Lebanon’s Gulf Arab allies have also held off funds following a diplomatic dispute last year over Hezbollah’s growing dominance.

Saudi Arabia and its allies have long pushed for Hezbollah’s exit from parliament and cabinet by backing politicians like Geagea.

“Our ties with Gulf Arab states will certainly be restored and Gulf aid will gradually flow to Lebanon,” if a government is formed “that can inspire trust and confidence,” said Geagea.

The IMF and Lebanon in April struck a conditional deal for $3 billion in aid.

IMF talks are the “main entry point” for financial recovery, Geagea said.