Geagea Calls for Presidential Election as Key to Ceasefire Between Hezbollah and Israel
Lebanese Forces Party leader Samir Geagea has emphasized that the election of a new president in Lebanon is a fundamental requirement for achieving a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel. He stated that the new president must uphold international resolutions concerning the disarmament of Hezbollah, which he believes is essential for resolving the ongoing crisis in the region. Lebanon has been without a president for nearly two years due to political rifts, particularly between Hezbollah and its allies on one side and the Lebanese Forces Party on the other. Geagea's party is the largest Christian political entity in the Lebanese parliament.
The situation escalated on October 8, 2023, when Hezbollah declared its support for Hamas in Gaza, which drew criticism from various Lebanese factions, including Geagea's party. Tensions further intensified after Israel conducted air strikes on Hezbollah positions in Lebanon, leading to ground operations in the southern region. Geagea stated, “Reaching a ceasefire is the only solution to put an end to the crisis that the Lebanese people are going through.” He highlighted that the lack of international initiatives underscores the urgency of electing a new president as a means to address the internal crisis.
Geagea called for the next president to adhere to international resolutions, particularly resolutions 1559, 1680, and 1701, which focus on disarming militias and ensuring the Lebanese state’s authority over its territories. He noted that these resolutions are critical for establishing the sovereignty of Lebanon.
In support of Geagea’s stance, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken reiterated the necessity of electing a new president through democratic means that represent the will of the Lebanese people. Additionally, a coalition of countries, including the United States, France, Japan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, issued a joint statement on September 26, calling for a 21-day ceasefire along the Lebanese-Israeli border. This truce aims to facilitate diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the tensions between Hezbollah and Israel.
