National Bloc: An Agreement to End Lebanon’s Role as an Arena and a Bargaining Chip

The framework agreement signed yesterday between Lebanon and Israel under United States auspices marks a historic moment, as it reaffirms the Lebanese state’s exclusive authority to negotiate on behalf of Lebanon.

On the one hand, it restores the Lebanese file to the state, removing it from the hands of the many foreign powers that have sought to expand their influence in Lebanon, most notably Iran. The agreement puts an end to Lebanon being used as an arena of influence or a bargaining chip in the service of Iran’s regional interests.

On the other hand, the agreement prevents one occupation from being replaced by another, as happened in 2000. It launches a process aimed at ending the Israeli occupation while, at the same time, addressing the issue of weapons held by militias, beginning with Hezbollah, so that any ceasefire does not once again become merely a pause used to prepare for the next war.

The agreement also seeks to initiate Lebanon’s reconstruction through immediate and long-term assistance, enabling the people of southern Lebanon to return to their villages.

The National Bloc renews its call on the executive authorities to issue clear and firm instructions to the Lebanese Armed Forces and the security agencies to implement this agreement transparently. It also calls on all Lebanese to unite behind the legitimate state in pursuit of a lasting peace that frees Lebanon from both Israeli occupation and the domination of militias.

The time has come for Lebanon and the Lebanese people to place their own national interest above the interests of foreign states and external causes, however just they may be, so that our country may finally achieve the stability and prosperity it has long been denied.