Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea during an interview on Jan. 26, 2024. (Credit X / @DRSamirGeagea)
Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea reiterated Monday his accusation toward the Lebanese government of committing "high treason" by failing to protect the Lebanese citizens from the ongoing conflict and instability in southern Lebanon and across the country.
Recently, Geagea launched his most severe criticism yet since Oct. 8 against the caretaker government, which is heavily backed by Hezbollah. He accused the government of "high treason," particularly concerning ongoing negotiations to de-escalate the situation on the Lebanese-Israeli border – following over 10 months of cross-border fire between Hezbollah and the Israeli army.
Geagea criticized the cabinet for merely observing the situation from afar and accused it of being under the influence of Hezbollah, saying that it has become just an "echo" of the group.
In response, caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati rejected Geagea's accusations, calling them baseless and challenging him to present his solutions if they are indeed practical. Mikati emphasized that the government is doing its duty in managing the situation in southern Lebanon and called for cooperation between the ruling party and the opposition during these challenging times. Additionally, former Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Joumblatt expressed his support for the government, dismissing Geagea's attacks as politically motivated and ill-timed.
Meanwhile, in an open letter on Monday, Qassem Qassir, an analyst reputed to be close to Hezbollah, addressed Geagea saying, "You know that Lebanon and the region are going through a very difficult phase due to the Israeli war of aggression on the Gaza Strip and the West Bank and the human genocide carried out by the Zionist enemy against the Palestinian people and the extension of this war to Lebanon."
"All of this requires you to take a national and unified position instead of accusing the government of high treason and calling for the implementation of Resolution 1701 by Lebanon without taking into account all the Israeli violations against Lebanon for 18 years and until today," Qassir added.