Beirut: Former Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblatt has declared that future confrontations with Israel should be political rather than military, as "militant militias have become part of history."
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Jumblatt, in an interview with Sputnik, highlighted the significance of the newly formed government under Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. This government formation follows recent political and military events, including Israel's latest invasion. Jumblatt emphasized that the administration's primary goal is to implement international resolutions and the Taif Agreement to ensure Lebanon's stability.
Jumblatt expressed skepticism about Israel's willingness to adhere to international resolutions, citing its attempts to occupy five sites in Lebanon. He called for concerted efforts to prevent these plans from materializing.
He further emphasized the importance of implementing reforms demanded by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), enforcing Resolution 1701 concerning the Lebanese-Israeli border, and continuing the investigation into the Beirut Port explosion. Jumblatt also underscored the necessity of securing Lebanon's border with Syria.
Commenting on the recent unrest at Beirut's airport, Jumblatt clarified that the Ministry of Public Works should not be held accountable. Instead, he pointed out that the Cabinet is responsible for decisions in such matters. He explained that the Ministry of Interior has the authority to inspect the airport and manage its operations, while maintaining that Beirut's Rafic Hariri International Airport should remain accessible to all Lebanese citizens despite the right to peaceful protest.
Addressing the Palestinian issue, Jumblatt criticized Israel and the United States for not providing viable solutions for Palestinian statehood. He condemned Israel's continued rejection of a Palestinian state and dismissed Donald Trump's proposed solution for Gaza as an attempt to create a "Riviera of the Middle East" at the expense of Palestinian freedom.
Jumblatt voiced concern over Israeli plans to annex the West Bank and expel Palestinians from Gaza, warning that settlement expansion in the West Bank poses a threat to the possibility of establishing a Palestinian state. He urged Arab countries to assume political and financial responsibility in supporting the Palestinian cause and countering Israel's resettlement efforts.
In his concluding remarks, Jumblatt accused the United States of giving Israel a "green light" to execute aggressive plans in the region, a move he claimed is widely opposed by the Arab populace.