The head of the Lebanese Forces, Samir Geagea, emphasized in an interview with Annahar this afternoon that the decision to ask the Iranian ambassador to leave Lebanon is a decision of the Lebanese government, made in coordination and agreement between the President, the Prime Minister, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs. It is not a decision of the Lebanese Forces, although the party fully supports it.

He pointed out that the Shiite two-party alliance has the right to reject the decision, but if its ministers decide to resign, replacements must be appointed because political balance is ensured between Muslims and Christians, and this balance is not determined by sects.

He also revealed that all available information confirms that the missile that was shot down over Keserwan was launched from Iran toward Cyprus, not toward Lebanon. He ruled out a near-term solution to end the conflict in Lebanon.

Samir Geagea, head of the Lebanese Forces.

Implications of the decision to request the Iranian ambassador to leave Lebanon

An-Nahar asked Samir Geagea about the implications of the decision to request the Iranian ambassador to leave Lebanon, after Hezbollah accused the Lebanese Forces of being behind the decision and causing divisions. He replied:

“First, the last people who have the right to talk about divisions in the country are Hezbollah and the entire resistance axis, because for forty years they have been in control, monopolizing institutions, and waging wars on their own. Regarding the decision to request the Iranian ambassador to leave Lebanon, this is a request of the Lebanese government, not a decision of the Lebanese Forces, although we fully support it. To my knowledge, the Foreign Minister was in continuous coordination and consultation with the President and the Prime Minister, considering that this is a strategic decision that the minister cannot take alone. After discussion, they agreed on the decision. We do not exaggerate or downplay it; it is a governmental and legitimate decision, made through coordination, consultation, and agreement between the President, the Prime Minister, and the Foreign Minister.

As for the Shiite two-party alliance rejecting this decision, many other decisions have been issued in the past that were also not accepted by other parties. For example, the Lebanese Forces and the Kataeb did not agree with certain decisions, and other parties similarly disagreed with certain decisions. Yes, this is their opinion and they are free to hold it, but no one has the right to impose their opinion, especially if they are a minority over a majority on a given matter.”

In response to a question about what the President, Prime Minister, and ministers from blocs supporting the Foreign Ministry’s decision should do if the Shiite two-party alliance ministers resign, Geagea replied:

“If they resign, they must be replaced by other Shiite ministers. Let me clarify again: political balance in Lebanon is between Muslims and Christians, not between sects. It is not between Orthodox and Maronites, Sunnis and Catholics, or Armenians and Shiites. Political balance is between Christians and Muslims. Therefore, as long as there are other Muslim ministers, the balance is maintained.

On the other hand, it is not logical for a minority, in the Lebanese context, to control the majority of ministers. Therefore, if they resign, the President, Prime Minister, and the remaining ministers must appoint other ministers.”

Geagea was asked whether he shared the concerns of those who feared that the missile launched over Keserwan was intended to drag Christian areas into the conflict. He replied:

“I do not see it that way at all. Based on the information I have from yesterday until today, this missile was launched from Iran, not from Lebanon. Moreover, all information indicates that the missile was heading toward Cyprus, not Lebanon. Therefore, this falls within the broader war between Iran and its adversaries.”

When asked whether he fears the spread of chaos in Lebanon, having previously stated that the state was among the first victims of the war, Geagea said:

“Of course. Where is there more chaos than this? What could be worse than a government that has been shouting for a year and issuing decisions to control weapons, to oversee peace and war, and has only partially started implementing them, only for us to find ourselves facing a crazy war worse than all the wars we have experienced? We are now in a state of chaos. From this perspective, I said the state was one of the first victims of the war, and the government had taken positions toward Arabs and foreigners. In any case, as successive Lebanese generations, this situation cannot continue—every two or three years we have a new crisis. It requires a comprehensive reassessment and a full rethinking to establish a Lebanese structure that does not repeat the tragedies, wars, and crises for the Lebanese people.”

Finally, he was asked whether he sees a near end to the war, especially as fears grow following Israel’s announcement that it will establish a buffer zone up to the Litani River.

Geagea replied:

“Unfortunately, I do not see the war ending soon, unless President Joseph Aoun’s negotiation initiative finds its path and begins to take effect. Otherwise, I do not see any solution.”