Key facts
- Lebanese President Joseph Aoun described the nation as facing a "fateful choice".
- The choice is between a state with a monopoly on weapons and rule of law, or remaining under militia influence.
- Aoun stressed that national unity is an "existential necessity."
- Gebran Bassil, leader of the Free Patriotic Movement, criticized Hezbollah's actions but opposed supporting Israel.
- Political divisions have deepened following Aoun's decision to hold direct talks with Israel.
- Israel issued forcible displacement warnings to residents in 20 southern Lebanese villages.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun declared that the nation is at a "fateful choice" point, needing to decide between establishing a state that controls all weapons and operates under the rule of law, or continuing to be "hostage to the logic of militias." Aoun emphasized that the current moment "cannot tolerate sectarian luxury or regional polarisation," asserting that "national unity is an existential necessity."
His remarks coincided with deepening political divisions within Lebanon. These divisions have been exacerbated by Aoun's decision to engage in direct talks with Israel. Concurrently, the Israeli military issued warnings of forcible displacement to residents in 20 villages and towns located in southern Lebanon.
Gebran Bassil, leader of the Free Patriotic Movement and son-in-law of former President Michel Aoun, commented on the situation, acknowledging that Hezbollah had made "mistakes" since the 2006 war with Israel. However, Bassil argued that these errors do not justify supporting Israel, which he identified as responsible for waging war on Lebanon and damaging its economy and social fabric. Bassil stressed that criticism of Hezbollah should not overshadow the realities on the ground.