Samir Geagea, leader of the Lebanese Forces (LF), has warned that Hezbollah and Iran are leading Lebanon into dangerous territory. He criticized the Lebanese government for abandoning the country and leaving it vulnerable to Iran’s influence.
Geagea accused the “Axis of Resistance” of blocking presidential elections in Lebanon, which have been stalled for nearly two years, due to other priorities.
He mentioned that the Lebanese Forces are in serious talks with about 25 parliamentarians to persuade them to take a clear stance on elections. Geagea expressed cautious optimism, noting about “30% progress.”
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Geagea warned that clashes between Hezbollah and Israel in southern Lebanon are likely to escalate.
He criticized the Lebanese government for being absent during this crisis, saying it feels like there is no government at all.
“When your legitimate government, your mother and father, are absent, it means you can be taken anywhere. Unfortunately, there are those who are leading Lebanon into the unknown,” remarked Geagea.
Moreover, the LF leader believes the conflict in southern Lebanon is not just linked to the war in Gaza.
“Because of Hezbollah’s ties, we're now entangled from the Red Sea to the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the Strait of Hormuz, Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon,” he told Asharq Al-Awsat, adding that this interconnectedness puts Lebanon in danger.
Geagea warned that if things don’t change, Lebanon faces a “vicious war of attrition,” with human and economic losses.
“If the escalation increases, who knows what will happen or how severe the losses will be,” he noted.
“Lebanon loses either way. The government, mostly aligned with the Axis of Resistance, should be taking care of Lebanon but isn’t, leading us into this predicament,” clarified Geagea.
Blaming the “official surrender” of the state on the majority of the current government members, who support the Axis of Resistance, Geagea claimed they are happy with the situation and are committing a grave crime against Lebanon.
“All of Lebanon is falling in the south right now, and they are responsible,” said Geagea, asserting that “any future devastation to Lebanon is on them.”
He also criticized other government members, including Prime Minister Najib Mikati and said: “No one in an official position can claim they are powerless. If they are, they should resign.”
Geagea also warned that Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah’s threats against Cyprus pose a significant risk. He noted that the Lebanese people are not reacting strongly because they are already overwhelmed by crises.
“There’s always a bigger disaster, and I believe things are heading toward an even greater one,” predicted Geagea.
“I don’t understand why we are attacking a country like Cyprus,” he added.
“These actions are reckless and irresponsible. Cyprus is the only neighboring country with which we have no issues,” affirmed the LF leader.
Geagea believes that Lebanon is currently driven by one agenda: serving Iran’s strategic interests. He finds it unacceptable that Hezbollah, a Lebanese faction, is directing the country solely towards Iran’s goals.
Geagea sees little effective opposition within Lebanon to counter these developments.
“We oppose as necessary,” he said, referring to a recent conference where Lebanese parties discussed issues like southern Lebanon and emphasized implementing UN Resolution 1701.
“If our goal is to protect southern Lebanon and Lebanese territory, then UN Resolution 1701 ensures this protection,” he reiterated, adding that if the Lebanese army replaces Hezbollah in the south it would certainly secure the country.
Regarding motivations behind Iran’s agenda in the region, Geagea pointed out that Tehran sees control over the Mediterranean as crucial.
He cited a statement by an advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader, recalling historical and contemporary instances where Iran aimed to extend its influence to the Mediterranean through Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Presidential Election Deadlock
The presidential deadlock in Lebanon, ongoing for nearly two years, remains unchanged. Geagea criticized the Axis of Resistance for blocking sessions and hindering progress towards electing a leader for the country.
Additionally, Geagea sees no immediate resolution due to the Axis of Resistance’s other priorities and their strategy of boycotting parliamentary sessions to prevent presidential elections.
Geagea dismissed blaming the opposition, stating they have exhausted all approaches.
Recently, French envoys proposed three logical solutions, but Geagea noted that the Axis of Resistance rejected all proposals when French envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian presented them directly.
On the other hand, Geagea disputes claims that there is no parliamentary majority capable of electing a president.
He insists on conducting the presidential process seriously to ascertain if a majority exists.
“The last session held was on June 14 last year. If they had allowed the second round of elections to proceed, we would have had a president by now,” confirmed Geagea.
Regarding the opposition’s reluctance to engage in election dialogue, Geagea clarified: “Dialogue opportunities are ongoing. I proposed three pathways for dialogue, emphasizing transparency. We’re open to any meaningful discussion that could yield results.”
“We suggested three viable approaches, all of which were rejected. Our concern is avoiding an unconstitutional dialogue framework that could set a binding precedent,” he added.
Geagea believes the Axis of Resistance has laid out a clear ultimatum: either Lebanon elects their preferred presidential candidate or remains without a president.
“Given Lebanon’s current state, we won’t support their candidate. We’re pushing, exploring options, and trying to engage in dialogue within constitutional limits,” he insisted.
Geagea also downplayed the role of Free Patriotic Movement leader Gebran Bassil in the presidential process, questioning whether Bassil has made any substantial moves.
“Bassil seems intent on staying relevant by proposing a compromise candidate resembling his own,” noted Geagea.
Despite these challenges, Geagea attempted to stay positive, noting the potential influence of 25 MPs who could sway outcomes in parliament. He cautiously acknowledged some progress in efforts to find a resolution.
