Jumblatt’s latest remarks warmly welcomed by the opposition

“Walid Jumblatt’s political flair gives a clue to the broad outlines of the next phase. » It is in these terms that an opposition deputy comments for The Orient-The Day the latest positions expressed by the Druze leader during an interview given Thursday evening to the local channel MTV. The former leader of the Progressive Socialist Party once again attacked Iran and the notion of “unity of fronts” put forward by the Islamic Republic to justify the involvement of Lebanese Hezbollah (and the rest regional satellites of Tehran) in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, which has degenerated into all-out war in Lebanon since last September.

“The Islamic Republic cannot continue to use Lebanon within the framework of (the notion of) unity of fronts to improve its conditions in (negotiations around the) nuclear issue,” thundered Mr. Jumblatt. Comments which should not come as a surprise, insofar as they are a continuation of Mr. Jumblatt’s diatribes against Iran. To the point of refusing to speak with Ali Larijani, advisor to the supreme guide of the Islamic Republic, during his visit to Lebanon around ten days ago. This increase in tone from Moukhtara against Tehran comes at a time when negotiations for a ceasefire between the Party of God and the Hebrew State are underway. A process which, in the eyes of Iran’s detractors, would lead to a weakening of the camp of fat.

For the record

The Lebanon of tomorrow: Jumblatt opens the ball

“I took a position against Iran because I am convinced that we are not an arena, but rather we must be an independent state through discussions with our Lebanese allies, including Hezbollah,” stressed the Druze leader. “Dialogue is imperative,” he said, calling for this approach to be put on track as soon as a ceasefire between the Shiite group and the Jewish state is concluded. In the meantime, Walid Jumblatt insisted that the channels of communication are open with the party of God. “Our dialogue with Hezbollah deputies who are going to Parliament concerns the management of the displaced crisis and the means of helping them,” he said. “Using South Lebanon as an arena of struggle to support Gaza and the West Bank must stop,” Mr. Jumblatt continued. The Lebanese have “done more than their duty in terms of front unity and paid too dearly for their support for the Palestinian cause,” he added.

Soon in Meerab?

Walid Jumblatt’s remarks, as usual, were quick to provoke political reactions. “It is obvious that he is already reading the post-conflict phase,” said an opposition MP on condition of anonymity, in a statement to The Orient-The Day. He is joined by the spokesperson for the Lebanese Forces, Charles Jabbour. “Walid Jumblatt’s words prove that Lebanon and the region in general are heading towards a whole new phase,” he said, stressing that the Druze leader echoes the anti-Hezbollah who have never hidden their opposition to the party’s involvement in the conflict. This is also the case of the Free Patriotic Movement, whose leader, Gebran Bassil, recently announced the divorce from the Shiite party against a backdrop of major differences over the presidential election, but especially the war against Israel. “We overlap with Walid Jumblatt and all the Lebanese who have had enough of the war. Especially since the unity of the fronts only seems to apply in Lebanon. Proof of this is that Iran itself did not move when Beirut was struck in the heart by the Israelis,” denounces César Abi Khalil, CPL deputy.

But for the moment, it is not towards the Aounists but rather towards his traditional ally, the leader of the Lebanese Forces, Samir Geagea, that Walid Jumblatt has his eyes turned. During his interview on Thursday, he indicated that he planned to go to Meerab to meet with the LF leader. “A few days after his interview given on November 12 to the (pro-Hezbollah daily) al-Akhbar (in which the Druze leader said he was ready to dialogue with Mr. Geagea about the Taif agreement), Mr. Geagea contacted Walid Jumblatt to invite him to Meerab,” reveals Charles Jabbour.

In addition to political figures, Walid Jumblatt’s comments sparked contrasting reactions among many Internet users, some criticizing him, others expressing their support. Notable fact: certain negative reactions pushed the outgoing Minister of Culture, Mohammad Mortada, close to the Shiite tandem, to denounce “a vicious campaign against the patriotic leader Walid Jumblatt”. In an interview with the site al-Anba’ (affiliated with the PSP), the minister recalled “the commitment of (the former leader of the PSP) to the independence of Lebanon, its sovereignty and the unity of its people and its land”, as well as for the Palestinian cause.