Zahrani: During a Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) dinner in Zahrani, MP Gebran Bassil highlighted the vital role of the Christian community in southern Lebanon, emphasizing that 'every martyr who fell in the South sacrificed for the entire nation.'
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, he criticized misguided policies that have entangled Lebanon in external agendas and stressed the importance of consolidating all weapons under the Lebanese army's control, alongside a clear national defense strategy.
Bassil condemned the symbolic gestures regarding the surrender of Palestinian arms, criticizing the management of refugee camps and drawing attention to the hardships faced by Zahrani residents due to the longstanding Palestinian presence.
While expressing solidarity with Gaza, he insisted that 'the defense of the Palestinian cause should take place from Palestine itself, not from Lebanese territory.'
He also cautioned against any rushed decisions on the weapons issue, warning that 'we want the army to successfully fulfill its mission, not to be set up for failure. Poor decisions could spark conflict or further weaken the state.'