Former leader of the Progressive Socialist Party Walid Joumblatt in Clemenceau, on May 22, 2026. (Credit: Mohammad Yassine/L’Orient-Le Jour)
Walid Joumblatt “does not see any regional de-escalation” on the horizon and is worried about Lebanon. But in his view, the volatile situation should push Hezbollah to engage in dialogue with authorities over its weapons. At the same time, Lebanon should continue its efforts to secure an Israeli withdrawal, even if that means pursuing the framework agreement signed between Beirut and Tel Aviv last June.He discussed the issues with L'Orient-Le Jour.L'Orient-Le Jour: You met Monday with President Joseph Aoun while your opposition to the framework agreement with Israel is no secret. Did the meeting bring your positions closer together?Walid Joumblatt: I have my opinion about the framework agreement. I criticized it because it does not mention the 1949 Armistice Agreement, even though both the Taif Accord and U.N. Security Council...
Walid Joumblatt “does not see any regional de-escalation” on the horizon and is worried about Lebanon. But in his view, the volatile situation should push Hezbollah to engage in dialogue with authorities over its weapons. At the same time, Lebanon should continue its efforts to secure an Israeli withdrawal, even if that means pursuing the framework agreement signed between Beirut and Tel Aviv last June.He discussed the issues with L'Orient-Le Jour.L'Orient-Le Jour: You met Monday with President Joseph Aoun while your opposition to the framework agreement with Israel is no secret. Did the meeting bring your positions closer together?Walid Joumblatt: I have my opinion about the framework agreement. I criticized it because it does not mention the 1949 Armistice Agreement, even though both the Taif Accord and U.N. Security...
