Geagea rejects Qassem’s criticism of State
Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea rejected remarks by Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem, accusing Hezbollah of having undermined state institutions and Lebanon’s constitutional order for years. His comments came amid an ongoing political dispute over the state’s authority, the role of Hezbollah’s weapons and Lebanon’s negotiating track.
In a statement, Geagea argued that confronting Israel should be the responsibility of the Lebanese state and said continued armed activity outside state institutions obstructed efforts to secure Israeli withdrawal and international support.
He also blamed Hezbollah and its allies for contributing to Lebanon’s economic and institutional crises, while defending the current presidency, government and Foreign Ministry.
Geagea said Lebanon needs Arab and international support for reconstruction and recovery, contending that such assistance depends on restoring full state authority and strategic decision-making to official institutions.
