Former Lebanon PM charts path to reclaiming nation’s sovereignty

Beirut: Fouad Siniora, Former Prime Minister of Lebanon, on Wednesday issued a stark call for the Lebanese state to reclaim its sovereignty. He argued that the country can no longer sustain the existence of an autonomous, armed Hezbollah. This follows the announcement of a peace deal between the US and Iran.

Speaking with ANI, the former premier emphasised that the current situation, in which Hezbollah initiates hostilities without consulting the legitimate government, is “no longer sustainable.” He argued that the path forward requires a decisive shift. In other words, Lebanon must empower the Lebanese Armed Forces. As a result, they must control the entirety of the national territory.

“Hezbollah can no longer stay as an armed group in Lebanon. The legitimate power in Lebanon, supposedly the Lebanese government, has to be in full force and able to control things. What has been going on is that Hezbollah has been taking the initiative of doing whatever it wants without consulting or getting the approval of the legitimate authority. So, in fact, this situation can no longer be sustainable. It is very important to help Lebanon in doing so. Siniora stated.

Carefully distancing his vision from the current military approach taken by Israel, Siniora suggested that external strikes against the group are counterproductive. Moreover, he contended that military pressure from Israel actually provides oxygen to Hezbollah’s narrative of “resistance.”

“The narrative of Hezbollah cannot really succeed if Israel withdraws from Lebanon. As long as Israel is still occupying Lebanon. I mean, Israel is helping the narrative of Hezbollah that it is it wants to free Lebanon from the Israeli occupation. I believe these matters cannot be solved this way; more effort has to be taken by the United States. So this is what you call the two parties who are serving each other, whether the extremists in Iran or the Israelis,” he said.

Furthermore, Siniora called for a fundamental change in how the international community, particularly the United States, engages with the crisis. He urged Washington to provide robust support to the Lebanese government and the national army. This would give state institutions the tools necessary to effectively challenge Hezbollah’s influence.

“It is very important that the United States really addresses the problem head-on by saying that it is essential to really give more support to the Lebanese. They must also support the legitimate Lebanese government. Additionally, they must support the Lebanese army so that it can play its role.

And at the same time, to give the Lebanese government the ability to have a proper argument against the arguments of Hezbollah. Because the weapons of Hezbollah did not help in protecting Lebanon or in deterring Israel or even in protecting Hezbollah itself throughout this period,” he said.

What has been going on is that Israel has occupied more lands and has killed more people. It has also driven about 1/5 of the Lebanese population outside their villages and their homes. Furthermore, this has created an area of destruction in the region. This doesn’t help. In addition, this doesn’t really leave the Lebanese to find a way of solving their problems,” he added.

Beyond the immediate military and geopolitical challenges, Siniora highlighted the necessity of a significant domestic reconciliation process. This process is aimed at reshaping the political landscape in Lebanon. He emphasised that the government must exert exhaustive effort to reclaim its legitimacy and mandate. At the same time, the Lebanese Armed Forces must receive the essential resources required to maintain national security.

Crucially, Siniora argued that this transition depends on a deliberate campaign of persuasion within the Shiite community.

“There is a lot of let’s say work that has to be done so that the Lebanese government would have to put let’s say every effort to regain respect and to regain authority. Additionally, the Lebanese army would really be given the support that it needs to do so.

And there is a lot of convincing has to take place let’s say in Lebanon so that to convince the Shiite community that the only force that can protect them and that can really let them go back to their villages and towns. It can also allow the reconstruction of of the south, the destroyed part of the south. It’s only through the Lebanese, the Lebanese legitimate government and the authority of the Lebanese state as such. So this is the way how really matters can be resolved,” he stated.

His remarks come as US Vice President JD Vance on Monday said that both sides have already “signed the deal digitally”. In addition, he stressed that any sanctions relief for Tehran as part of the agreement would depend on the Islamic Republic’s compliance with commitments under the agreement. This followed US President Donald Trump’s announcement that the deal with Iran was “complete” and will be signed on Friday.

(ANI)

Also Read: Former Lebanese PM Siniora Comments on Hezbollah Issue