Lebanese Forces Head Samir Geagea: “No negotiations on Palestinian arms … No people have suffered like the Syrians in the last forty years”

MAARAB, Lebanon — In an extensive interview this week with Transparency News, Lebanese Forces (LF) leader Samir Geagea offered a scathing critique of Lebanon’s ongoing political and economic crisis. He categorically rejected proposals to negotiate the removal of Palestinian weapons from refugee camps and outlined a roadmap for resolving the country’s financial emergency without burdening ordinary citizens.

Over more than an hour of discussion with journalists Asaad Bishara and Tony Boulos, Geagea criticized the government for relying on “temporary fixes” that repeat the mistakes driving the country toward collapse.

“We have two clear sources that could generate $2 billion for the state treasury, while raising fuel prices will bring in only about $300 million at best,” Geagea stated. “Both of those sources lie squarely within the Finance Ministry’s authority — this isn’t a political matter. Even if they replace the finance minister, I will say the same thing: collect what is owed.”

He estimated that Lebanon lost roughly $1 billion last year due to failure in collecting all customs duties on imports. “Let’s face reality,” he urged. “No minister or prime minister can claim they did not know. Fixing the customs system and addressing tax evasion — there are unpaid levies going back more than ten years — could generate substantial revenue without touching citizens’ livelihoods.”

Geagea acknowledged that military and security personnel “deserve decent pay because they work day and night to preserve the state,” but cautioned against indiscriminate pay increases.

“We began with a small raise for judges, then everyone demanded raises, and we ended up in a long-term crisis,” he said. He emphasized that the government must adopt “a comprehensive, sustainable approach” rather than “piecemeal fixes that further strain the treasury.”

Palestinian Arms: “A Purely Sovereign Decision”

On the issue of arms held by Palestinian factions, Samir Geagea was unequivocal:

“This is a purely sovereign decision. No one has the right to discuss it with us. If we decide to collect their weapons, we will; if we do not, we will not. Any external discussion — whether with Hezbollah or anyone else — undermines the state’s authority …

In the past, we simply said, ‘Inform the Palestinian Authority,’ and that was sufficient. Today, any outside discussion of this issue demonstrates that the state has forfeited its sovereignty. Collecting all weapons — Palestinian or otherwise — is nonnegotiable. If anyone fears a civil war, they are conceding sovereignty to the militias. No one can justify obstructing the rule of law by invoking the specter of civil strife.”

Turning to judicial appointments, Geagea expressed frustration with “the surprise nominations that appear on the cabinet’s agenda without giving each minister a chance to review and question the candidates.” He insisted, “The existing appointment mechanism must be respected. If anyone tries to push an unqualified judge for political reasons, we will convene to oppose that decision in the cabinet. Our goal is to elevate every pending appointment far above the current standard.”

Addressing delays in filling critical vacancies across key ministries, Geagea pointed out, “The Energy Ministry alone has some 10,000 unfilled positions, and the Electricity Regulatory Authority has yet to name its CEO, even though the tender documents were finalized a month and a half ago. This kind of bureaucracy stalls projects—like solar power initiatives that could reduce costs for citizens.”

Nevertheless, Geagea defended the current energy minister, Joe Saddi (LF), highlighting that his predecessor left behind $1.5 billion in hidden debt without proper approval. “Since this minister took office five months ago, he has not cost the treasury a single lira,” Geagea said. “This demonstrates that adhering to the law can yield positive results, even in the face of massive prior errors.”

Iran’s Recent Visit: An Open Door?

When asked about Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s visit to Beirut and his claim to “open a new page” with Lebanon, Samir Geagea expressed cautious optimism:

“Historically, Lebanon enjoyed excellent relations with Iran for many years. However, the last forty years have reversed that dynamic, as Tehran backed one faction to Lebanon’s detriment. If Araghchi is serious, he must refrain from military, security, or financial interference in our affairs. He must engage with the Lebanese state as a unified institution, not through a specific party. That is the real test: Are they ready to treat us as a sovereign state and not as a proxy on the regional chessboard?”

When pressed on whether Lebanon is prepared to block illicit funding and militias, Geagea responded:

“We must be prepared. We have inherited a state apparatus that has been co-opted and disabled by external agendas for forty years. It is unacceptable to allow foreign interests to turn Lebanon into a battleground. Strengthening our institutions is essential to blocking any attempts to undermine the state.”

Reconstruction and Syria’s Future

Samir Geagea emphasized the importance of Syria’s reconstruction benefiting both Syria and Lebanon, provided Lebanon takes the opportunity responsibly. He stressed that international aid to Lebanon depends on disarming illegal weapons and establishing a fully sovereign and functional state, warning that delays could jeopardize the government’s stability and foreign support.

Geagea criticized the president and prime minister for their slow decision-making, urging immediate action on disarming illegal weapons. He warned that delays beyond mid-June would hinder the new government or presidency from gaining momentum, emphasizing that Lebanon cannot afford further delays.

When pressed on whether he would consider setting a grace period for disarmament, he was resolute

“I do not believe in grace periods. We must begin by mid-June. If we delay or approach it half-heartedly, I cannot rule out the collapse of the remaining institutions.”

Hezbollah’s Weapons and Reconstruction

Samir Geagea defended the decision to prioritize the disarmament of Palestinian factions over addressing Hezbollah’s arsenal, stating that every process must begin somewhere. While acknowledging the connection between the two issues, he emphasized that clearing Palestinian arms is the immediate priority. He outlined a detailed timeline, with disarmament to be completed by mid-June in Beirut, by late June in the North and Bekaa, and by mid-July in the South. Geagea stressed that the state must not impose limitations on itself and should assert its full authority confidently and without hesitation.

Addressing the impact of delays in disarmament on reconstruction efforts, Geagea explained:

“Donor countries—especially those in the Gulf, as well as the European Union and the United States—are firm in their stance that Lebanon cannot be recognized as a legitimate state until the weapons issue is resolved. If Hezbollah wishes to support reconstruction, it must fund the billions required. However, these donors have made it unequivocally clear: no aid will be provided until Lebanon proves itself to be a sovereign state. Disarming is not merely a condition for reconstruction; it is the cornerstone of state-building.”

Full interview in Arabic, below: