Head of Lebanese Forces party Samir Geagea: Fall of Assad regime signals endgame for Hezbollah in Lebanon

MAARAB, Lebanon — Samir Geagea, leader of the Lebanese Forces party, Lebanon’s largest Christian political party, declared that the overthrow of the authoritarian regime of Bashar al-Assad in Syria marks a turning point for Hezbollah in Lebanon.

“The fall of Assad means ‘the game is over’ for Hezbollah in Lebanon,” Geagea stated, emphasizing the necessity for Hezbollah to hand over its weapons to the Lebanese Army.

He also called on Hezbollah to engage in dialogue with the Lebanese Army to establish a timeline for dismantling its military infrastructure and transitioning into a political party. “This would allow Hezbollah to sit at the dialogue table with other Lebanese parties as equals,” Geagea suggested.

Geagea noted that the current environment demands a focus on state-building and reconstruction, including within the regions historically associated with Hezbollah’s influence.

Hezbollah, weakened after a prolonged year-long conflict with Israel, has faced additional setbacks following the abrupt withdrawal of its fighters from Syria. This retreat followed a decisive offensive by opposition factions that brought an end to the Assad family’s five-decade rule.

Geagea’s remarks underscore a call for a new chapter in Lebanon’s political and security dynamics in the wake of these historic regional changes.