Walid Jumblatt, a prominent Lebanese politician, addresses the complex challenges facing Lebanon and Syria amid Israeli aggression and regional instability. In a recent interview, he critiques Israel’s military strategies, advocates for humanitarian aid to Lebanon, and expresses cautious optimism for Syria’s new leadership under Ahmad Al Sharaa. Despite rejecting normalization with Israel, Jumblatt calls for understanding and support for Palestinian statehood as essential for genuine peace.
Walid Jumblatt, a significant figure in Lebanese politics and a leader of the Druze community, remains an influential voice despite stepping back from the Progressive Socialist Party. His insights are particularly crucial during a volatile period in Middle Eastern politics marked by Syria’s regime change, rising tensions between Iran and the United States, and a weakened Hezbollah. In a recent interview, Mr. Jumblatt discussed Israel’s proactive military strategies and urged Arab nations to recognize the perilous implications of Israeli policies aimed at destabilizing the region.
Having played a pivotal role throughout Lebanon’s tumultuous history, Jumblatt’s experience ranges from the civil war to contemporary conflicts. He reflected on recent Israeli actions, stating, “The Israelis have allowed themselves to attack any place in Lebanon, any place in Syria,” emphasizing the need for a unified Arab response to Israel’s aggressions. Despite a ceasefire mediated by the United States, ongoing bombings in southern Lebanon underscore the fragility of peace in the area.
Mr. Jumblatt characterized the ceasefire as merely nominal, arguing that Israel’s continued military presence in Lebanon undermines its terms. He commended the Lebanese Army’s efforts to maintain order but acknowledged their extensive challenges amid a severe financial crisis. The financial burden of reconstruction in war-affected regions, estimated to reach $14 billion, poses additional obstacles in securing aid for rebuilding the south of Lebanon, currently devastated by ongoing conflicts.
In his discourse, Jumblatt articulated the imperative for foreign assistance to enable Lebanon’s recovery, highlighting the inadequacies of domestic resources to address infrastructural devastation. He criticized conditional aid linked to political reforms as unjust, stating it distracts from the immediate humanitarian needs of those affected by the conflict.
In discussing Hezbollah’s recent challenges, Jumblatt acknowledged the group’s diminishing power following the death of its leader and urged a transformation away from armed resistance, advocating instead for political engagement in the Lebanese parliament. He acknowledged Hezbollah’s integral place within Lebanese society, emphasizing that attempts to exclude the group politically would not represent democratic values.
Territorial disputes surrounding Israel’s aggressive posture towards Syria also drew Jumblatt’s attention. He called for support for Syria’s new leadership under Ahmad Al Shara, advising patience and collaboration to help stabilize and rebuild the nation. He expressed optimism about the prospects for unification and governance in Syria, urging the international community to provide a chance for the new administration.
Additionally, Jumblatt criticized Israeli maneuvers aimed at fragmenting Syria, manifesting in efforts to engage the Druze community within the country. He reiterated Lebanon’s historical grievances against Israeli policies, particularly in light of family ties to past political conflicts and violence.
While affirming that he does not support normalization with Israel, Mr. Jumblatt advocated for a nuanced approach to peace that recognizes the necessity of establishing a Palestinian state as an essential prerequisite for any comprehensive resolution. He remarked on the recent escalation of violence instigated by Hamas attacks and consequent Israeli retaliations, depicting dire humanitarian consequences for Palestinian populations in Gaza and the West Bank. “Gaza has been systematically destroyed,” he concluded, critiquing international complicity in pressing Palestinian issues to the background of Middle Eastern diplomacy.
Walid Jumblatt’s insights reflect a profound understanding of the complexities inherent in Middle Eastern politics, particularly regarding Lebanon’s fragile state and the ongoing conflict with Israel. His emphasis on the necessity for foreign aid, support for a stable Syrian leadership, and recognition of Hezbollah’s role within Lebanese society highlights the multifaceted nature of regional challenges. Moreover, his call for a Palestinian state emphasizes the critical need for a just resolution to ensure lasting peace in the region. Jumblatt’s perspectives serve as a crucial reminder of the interconnectedness of local and international dynamics affecting Lebanon and the surrounding areas.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
