The National Bloc: Towards a Lasting Agreement

The progress achieved in the Washington negotiations, which paves the way for a ceasefire agreement, constitutes a positive first step toward a full Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory.

The National Bloc expresses its support for the Lebanese authorities in their efforts to save the country by working toward a comprehensive agreement that would not only bring the current state of war to an end, but also resolve the conflict with Israel. Such an agreement must uphold Lebanon’s sovereignty through Israel’s withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territory and the exclusive authority of the state over arms, while enabling the reconstruction of the South and the safe return and protection of its residents.

In this context, Hezbollah’s rejection of this agreement once again disregards the assurances previously given by Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri and confirms, yet again, that the party remains primarily concerned with advancing the interests of its patrons in Iran, whether to strengthen their negotiating position or expand their influence in Lebanon.

Accordingly, the National Bloc holds the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps and its military and security arm in Lebanon responsible for obstructing this agreement and for the further destruction, displacement, and bloodshed that may result.

The National Bloc also renews its call on the Lebanese state to fully assume its political and security responsibilities through all legitimate means, and to bring a definitive end to those who have hijacked the country and subordinated it to foreign interests at the expense of Lebanon’s national interest.