Geagea Warns Against Hezbollah’s Influence in Lebanon Amid Ongoing Conflict

BEIRUT: Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea has expressed grave concerns over the increasing influence of Hezbollah, describing it as a "mini-state" that undermines Lebanon's sovereignty. Geagea called for a decisive response to the Iranian-Israeli conflict unfolding on Lebanese soil and urged for the strengthening of the Lebanese state. According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Geagea criticized Hezbollah for its unilateral decisions regarding war and peace, which he claimed have led Lebanon into turmoil. He emphasized that Lebanon is adrift, lacking effective leadership to navigate through the crisis, and accused Lebanese officials of prioritizing narrow interests over national stability. Geagea highlighted the absence of a functional government, likening it to a relief committee rather than a governing body. He revealed that after the assassination of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah in an Israeli airstrike on Beirut's southern suburbs on September 27, decision-making in Lebanon has shifted to Iran an d remaining Hezbollah fighters under Iranian command. The Lebanese Forces leader condemned the failure of Lebanese officials to enforce UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which calls for the disarmament of militias. He argued that the Lebanese state still has the potential to act and suggested that the government should convene to deploy the army in the southern region and implement the resolution. Geagea responded to criticism of his calls for the enforcement of Resolution 1559, which demands the disbandment of armed groups, asserting that while his proposals may be unpopular, they aim to end the ongoing conflict. He lamented the lack of international intervention in Lebanon to discuss solutions to the war and expressed his commitment to finding ways to resolve the crisis. Despite the volatility, Geagea remains confident that civil peace will prevail, as no faction has an interest in igniting civil strife. However, he acknowledged the challenges faced by the Lebanese population, with nearly half experie ncing some form of displacement.