PSP clarifies Joumblatt remarks on 'Lebanese lobby' in Washington, says comment targeted activists in US think tanks

BEIRUT — The Progressive Socialist Party (PSP) said Friday that remarks by former leader Walid Joumblatt were misinterpreted.

In an interview with Al Jazeera on Thursday, Joumblatt spoke about a Lebanese group in Washington that is “more Israeli than the Israelis.”

The PSP clarified that he was referring to certain Lebanese political activists working at American research centers in Washington. According to the statement, these individuals are part of a lobby that prioritizes Israeli interests over those of Lebanon and its people

The statement, relayed by the state-run National News Agency, stated that "the remarks were not directed at the Lebanese negotiating delegation, which is working diligently to bring an end to the war and continues to enjoy the support of the Progressive Socialist Party."

His comments came in an interview released Thursday where he discussed the ongoing conflict in Lebanon and the region and where he also criticized Hezbollah as "no longer making its key decisions from within Lebanon, arguing that the party's strategic decisions now originate in Iran."

As well as the recent joint U.S.-Lebanese statement, arguing that it focused on Hezbollah's withdrawal from areas where it operates without mentioning Israel's withdrawal from Lebanese territory, which he said reflected complete U.S. bias in favor of Israel.

The Lebanese government and Israel are engaged in U.S.-brokered direct negotiations aimed at securing a cease-fire and addressing border security. These talks are taking place in Washington, DC, despite strong opposition from Hezbollah, which rejects direct dialogue and the agreements being negotiated.