Samir Geagea Rejects Accusations of Government Treason Amidst Lebanon-Israel Negotiations

Samir Geagea, leader of the Lebanese Forces party, affirmed that the legitimate and legal authority in Lebanon resides with the president and the government. He stated that it is entirely unacceptable to accuse the government, which represents the majority of the Lebanese people, of treason. Geagea also cautioned against halting negotiations, warning that Israel would escalate its war and that Hezbollah would assist Israel in continuing the conflict, as it intends to do so.

Speaking to Lebanon Free Radio, Geagea addressed Iran’s campaign portraying itself as Lebanon’s savior by striking Israel in retaliation for attacks on the southern suburbs. He said, “All media narratives and claims over the past decades do not reflect reality. Let us recall the year 2024, when Israel attacked Lebanon, assassinated Hezbollah’s Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah, Hachem Safieddine, and all first- and second-tier leaders of Hezbollah, and invaded the south, leading to the November 27 agreement. During that period, despite all the strikes, Iran did not move a finger to support Hezbollah, believing that what remained of the group could continue. Today, the situation is different. If Iran does not visibly show interest, even the last person will abandon their affiliation with Hezbollah, causing its front in Lebanon to collapse once and for all.”

He further explained that Iran, aware of American restrictions on its retaliatory strike, launched a few low-cost missiles and stopped there. The fact that the situation in the south remained unchanged after the strike indicates it was merely a psychological propaganda move. Geagea asserted that if Iran truly supported Hezbollah, it would have followed through on its actions.

Regarding accusations against Presidents Aoun and Salam over direct negotiations with Israel, Geagea reiterated that the legitimate authority lies with the president and the government, making any claims of treason against the government unacceptable.

He added that if negotiations cease, Israel would intensify its war, with Hezbollah aiding Israel in that conflict, as it intends to continue fighting.

Geagea emphasized that everyone recognizes the United States as the only party capable of stopping Israel. He noted that the U.S. has expressed willingness to pressure Israel to end the war, withdraw, allow displaced residents to return to their villages, and support reconstruction. He also mentioned that Arab and European countries are prepared to assist, provided Hezbollah is dismantled.

In response to a question, Geagea stated that Hezbollah’s legitimacy ended for his party in 1990, and for others in 2000, but all agree that Hezbollah’s legitimacy has expired. He said the only viable solution is the ongoing negotiations in Washington, which could yield results. He challenged anyone with an alternative to present it, noting that since Iran’s support war began, human losses have reached approximately 4,000 dead and 11,000 wounded, alongside countless material damages, which Lebanon’s economy cannot bear.

He concluded by describing Hezbollah as a faction of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard fighting in the hope that Iran and the U.S. will reach an agreement. He questioned the relevance of this to Lebanon, stating that Lebanon has suffered extensive damage in the south and across the country in support of Iran. Therefore, he asserted that continuing negotiations is the only way to reduce further losses.