Geagea from Baabda: Only the state can make the fundamental decisions

Samir Geagea, head of the Lebanese Forces (LF), one of the main Christian parties, was received Friday by President Joseph Aoun and expressed his support for the Lebanese authorities, who are facing opposition from Hezbollah and its allies regarding the framework agreement reached with Israel for a gradual withdrawal from southern Lebanon. Speaking from the Baabda Palace, Geagea called on the Lebanese people to stand behind the state, saying that it is represented by Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, who are responsible for making "fundamental decisions," especially concerning the occupation of part of Lebanese territory, not "any party," in a barely veiled allusion to the pro-Iranian movement.

"We are not supporters" of the text signed in Washington on June 26, but "today we have no other option" than direct negotiations with Israel, the Maronite leader declared, echoing similar statements made in recent days by Aoun. He therefore wished the president to "continue" on this path, stating that Aoun "intends to see it through, even though we all know it is not easy." Therefore, "we must stand behind the state, rather than making accusations against it," and comply with the decisions made.

No Israeli withdrawal or reconstruction without a 'real state' in Lebanon

"Israel must withdraw from the South," where an area of about 620 square kilometers is occupied, "and the reconstruction process must begin, but it is imperative that a real state exists to achieve this," Geagea added, who was accompanied on his visit by a delegation of MPs from his party. According to him, this state "exists and is represented by the president of the republic and the prime minister, and it is they who make the fundamental decisions, including those related to the Israeli presence — not any party." "What comes from institutions must be a reference for everyone," insisted Geagea, a well-known opponent of Hezbollah.

The LF leader also rejected the "Islamabad process," the protocol agreement between Iran and the United States that foresees a ceasefire in Lebanon, stating that it is "linked to American and Iranian interests and has nothing to do with Lebanese interests." It was three days after the remote signing of this text, on June 17, that a truce — regularly undermined by Israeli attacks in the South — went into effect. The agreement between Tehran and Washington "is only related to an attempt to preserve Iranian influence in Lebanon, which keeps us in the same spiral," he further accused.

President Aoun has been increasing talks with the media and political party leaders in an effort to win their support for the framework agreement with Israel, which is rejected by Hezbollah. Visits by Geagea outside his headquarters in Meerab, Kesrouan, have been relatively rare since he was the target of a reported assassination attempt in 2012. However, Geagea had previously visited the presidential palace in June 2025.

Geagea depuis Baabda : C'est l'État qui prend les décisions fondamentales, et non un parti quelconque