FPM leader Gebran Bassil during a television interview on LBCI, Dec. 5, 2024. Screenshot LBCI
The leader of the Free Patriotic Movement (FPM), Gebran Bassil, said in a televised interview on LBCI Thursday night that disarming Hezbollah would not mean Lebanon no longer has a "problem" with Israel. He also stated he was against "rushing things" regarding the presidential election.
Asked by journalist Mario Abboud about ensuring the cease-fire is upheld, Bassil suggested the solution lies in "reaching internal consensus on a national defense strategy, electing a president, and forming a consensus-based government, both in terms of the prime minister and its composition."
The Batroun MP called for Lebanon's "neutrality," arguing it could "strengthen its position internationally while providing guarantees against Israeli aggression." However, he noted this requires "internal decisions" and international assurances. He emphasized that the Lebanese army, which must be strengthened, is "the sole guarantor of national security." While acknowledging Hezbollah's role, he criticized its involvement in regional conflicts, saying it "exposed the country to risks."
“No victors”
For Bassil, the recent war had "no victors," but "the priority is not just reaching an agreement but implementing it." He rejected the notion that Lebanon has no issues with Israel, adding, "It is wrong to think that disarming Hezbollah would solve the problem with Israel." He also noted that Israel had succeeded in isolating Lebanon from Gaza and Hamas during the conflict.
In Oct., Bassil told Saudi channels Al Arabiya and Al Hadath that his party is "not in an alliance" with Hezbollah, warning of "real risks of internal strife" in Lebanon.
Presidential election
On the upcoming Jan. 9, 2025, parliamentary session to elect a president after over two years of vacancy, Bassil expressed hope for progress. "God willing, we will get there," he said, adding that his party is "not in favor of rushing things." He stressed the need for a "representative and unifying" president, advocating for consensus to avoid further divisions.
He revealed discussions with parliamentary blocs about potential candidates but refrained from naming them. He noted that neither Hezbollah and its allies nor the opposition could elect a president alone, emphasizing the need for consensus. He added that a list of candidates has been narrowed to those receiving positive or tentative responses, and further deliberations are planned to finalize a single name.
Bassil began consultations Tuesday with a meeting with Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdel-Latif Derian. He reiterated his firm opposition to certain candidates, including Marada Movement leader Sleiman Frangieh (backed by the Amal-Hezbollah alliance), Army Commander Joseph Aoun, former Foreign Minister Nassif Hitti, and Kesrouan MP Neemat Frem, who left the FPM parliamentary bloc following the 2020 Beirut port explosion.
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