(Credit: Screenshot of former PSP leader Walid Joumblatt's televised appearance on MTV)
"The Islamic Republic cannot continue to use Lebanon as part of the 'unity of fronts' to improve its conditions in the Iranian nuclear file." That is what the former head of the Progressive Socialist Party (PSP), Walid Joumblatt, said on Thursday night on MTV, speaking against Iran and its involvement in Lebanon.
He, however, advocated for dialogue with Hezbollah as soon as a cease-fire is established between this group and Israel, which "would allow negotiations with the Shiite party," in a context of escalating conflict between the two belligerents in Lebanon for the past two months. "A dialogue is imperative," he noted, indicating an atmosphere that heralds a new beginning.
"I have taken a stand against Iran because I am convinced that we are not a battleground, but that we must be an independent state through discussions with our Lebanese allies, among whom Hezbollah," emphasized the Druze leader during the "Sar el-Wa'et" show by Marcel Ghanem, provoking a flood of positive and negative reactions on the local TV channel's website.
The interview with Walid Joumblatt comes in the context of an open war that has lasted two months between Hezbollah and Israel in Southern Lebanon, in the southern suburbs of Beirut, in North Bekaa, and even in the capital, after a year of border exchanges between the two belligerents since Oct. 8, 2023. On that day, the Shiite party announced the opening of a "support front" for Gaza, following the Hamas attack on Israeli territory.
The conflict has already resulted in 3,583 deaths and 15,244 injuries in Lebanon, according to the most recent toll from the Ministry of Health, published Thursday.
"Using the South (Lebanon) as a battleground to support Gaza and the West Bank must stop," insisted Mr. Joumblatt, on MTV, considering that the Lebanese have "done their duty regarding the unity of the fronts" and "paid too high a price for their support of the Palestinian cause."
'Vicious' campaign against Joumblatt
The remarks of Walid Joumblatt quickly sparked reactions from internet users, mostly close to the Iranian axis.
"The Islamic Republic of Iran will remain under the leadership of Imam Khamenei as long as his shadow protects Lebanon. The Syrian Arab Republic under the leadership of Bashar al-Assad is the fresh air we breathe… in Lebanon and for all future generations," reacted internet user Charabila1 on X.
"It is unjust and misleading to make these accusations against the Islamic Republic. It is an insult to say that it uses us as a tool…," added internet user monzerchehab.
The vehemence of the reactions against the Druze leader led outgoing Minister of Culture Mohammad Mortada, close to Hezbollah, to take the opposite view and denounce "a vicious campaign against the patriotic leader Walid Joumblatt."
In an interview with Al-Anbaa media, the minister recalled "the commitment of the former head of the PSP to Lebanon's independence, its sovereignty, and the unity of its people and land," as well as his commitment to the Palestinian cause. He also praised the Druze leader’s stance on the Palestinian people's right to defend themselves.
"Mr. Joumblatt said that Palestine is a bleeding wound that must be healed for the world to rest, that Israel is an existential enemy, and that armed struggle to thwart its plans is a duty and a right, which explains why he has become the target of abuse and threats from known sources and operators," said Minister Mortada.
'A sign from Hochstein in the next 24 hours'
Other internet users followed the minister's example and announced their support for the former PSP leader. "Your position and your voice have shaken the world. (...) We are with you, Lebanon too. You are our safety valve. May God protect you," said internet user embahaa4 on X, defending the Druze leader.
On the question of negotiations led by U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein from the Biden administration, who is trying to achieve a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, Mr. Joumblatt stated that he is awaiting a sign.
"We are waiting in the next 24 hours for a sign from Hochstein. It could be positive or negative, because no one knows the true intentions of Netanyahu (the Israeli Prime Minister)," he said. He noted that this is the last attempt by the Biden administration in terms of negotiations.
"Anything is possible," said Walid Joumblatt, hoping that Lebanon could "get out of this vicious circle." "The ball is in the Israeli court," he further stated, adding that he had informed envoy Hochstein of the necessity to implement UN Resolution 1701, which prohibits armed militias south of the Litani River, and to return to the 1949 armistice agreement, later confirmed by the Taif Agreements.
