Lebanese Christian leader warns against Hezbollah, a group that is dragging the country towards war

The leader of Lebanon's Christians warned about Hezbollah, the crisis of war, and Iranian influence that has put Lebanon on the brink of a humanitarian disaster.

As military clashes between Israel and Hezbollah-affiliated forces in Lebanon enter a new phase, one of the country's most prominent Christian leaders has warned of the consequences of the group's presence and activities.

Samir Geagea, leader of the Lebanese Forces Party and a well-known Christian figure in Lebanese politics, announced in response to the intensification of Israeli airstrikes against various regions of Lebanon that Hezbollah's continued military activity has effectively turned the country into a battlefield for which the Lebanese people are paying the price.

In recent weeks, Israeli airstrikes have intensified in various areas of Lebanon, including the south of the country, the Bekaa Valley, and the southern suburbs of Beirut; areas known as Hezbollah's main bases.

In an interview with Al-Arabiya, Geagea took a clear stance on the status of the militant group. He said, “After the Lebanese government’s decision, Hezbollah is considered illegitimate and illegal.” He also emphasized that the Lebanese government is considering serious and bold decisions regarding the Tehran-backed group.

According to Geagea, the continued presence of Hezbollah's military wing not only threatens Lebanon's stability, but has also effectively plunged the country into a war that the Lebanese government had no role in deciding.

In recent months, tensions on the Lebanese-Israeli border have increased dramatically. Hezbollah’s rocket attacks on Israeli territory have reportedly led to an escalation of Israeli military operations inside Lebanon. Geagea believes that this situation is a direct result of Hezbollah’s military activity, which has plunged Lebanon into a war with disastrous consequences for the people of the country.

In this context, he stated that the end of the conflict will only be possible when Hezbollah's military wing is disbanded. His statements are also consistent with his previous positions, as he has repeatedly emphasized that Hezbollah's weapons should be under the control of the Lebanese government and that the army should have a monopoly on military power.

As the fighting escalates, Israel has expanded its strikes to new areas in Beirut that were previously less frequently targeted. According to reports, neighborhoods such as Ramla al-Bayda, Rusha, and Zaqq al-Bilad have also been targeted.

These developments occurred after Hezbollah announced that it had opened the Lebanese front in the war against the Islamic Republic on March 2nd.

As a result of the conflict, Lebanon has faced a massive humanitarian crisis, with reports indicating that more than 800,000 people have been forced to flee their homes due to attacks and fighting.

Hundreds of people have also died in these clashes, and many residential areas in southern Lebanon have been seriously damaged.

Meanwhile, Israel has also launched a limited ground operation to advance into southern Lebanon, a move that has raised concerns about the spread of the war.

Lebanon's Christian community, which has played a significant role in the country's political history, is now following recent developments with concern. Samir Geagea, whose party is one of the largest Christian parties in Lebanon, has repeatedly stressed that Hezbollah's influence and weapons outside the government's control have undermined Lebanon's sovereignty.

He also warned that Hezbollah's military decisions are not only not in Lebanon's interest, but have also exposed the country to destruction and economic and humanitarian crisis.

While the conflicts continue, many analysts believe that Lebanon is at one of the most critical points in its contemporary history.

On the one hand, war and regional tensions have put severe pressure on the country's economy and infrastructure, and on the other hand, internal disputes over the role of Hezbollah and Iran's influence in Lebanon remain.

For many Lebanese political leaders, including Samir Geagea, a solution to the crisis will only be possible if the Lebanese government takes full control of weapons and military decisions and all armed groups outside the state structure are disarmed.