Dr. Samir Geagea: whoever misses Lebanon’s chance to rise and prosper will be held accountable before history

MAARAB, Lebanon — Lebanese citizens, along with the government and political parties, are closely watching the anticipated arrival of US Ambassador to Turkey and Special Envoy to Syria, Thomas Barrack, who himself awaits Lebanon’s response to the American proposal. So far, no official Lebanese government response has been made public. 

The proposal outlines disarmament of Hezbollah and Palestinian factions in the camps, placing all weapons under the Lebanese state’s authority, implementing financial and economic reforms, controlling borders and smuggling, raising customs duties, tightening controls over crossings and public facilities, and restoring relations with Syria on political and security levels, including border demarcation and strengthening trade and economic ties. 

Samir Geagea, leader of the Lebanese Forces party, commented on the matter yesterday—just before Barrack’s expected arrival— in a post on X, asking about the Lebanese government’s non-responsiveness and lack of urgency:   

“On this occasion, we want to know the following: First, have we returned to Assad’s model of governance through the so-called ‘Troika,’ reducing all Lebanese institutions to a power trio — a formula that once ruined Lebanon? Second, who is negotiating today? Has the Lebanese state become dependent on what Hezbollah will say, or should it be the other way around — Hezbollah awaiting the decision of the Lebanese government? Third, anyone who contributes to missing this opportunity will bear a heavy responsibility before all Lebanese and before history.” 

Geagea continued by claiming the Lebanese government must convene without delay and prepare a unified national response to the American proposal — one that can truly, not just rhetorically, secure Israeli withdrawal and end its aggressions, while enabling the formation of a genuine state that protects the interests and future of the Lebanese people. He concluded his post by stating: “Enough playing with Lebanon’s fate just to improve Iran’s position in future international negotiations.” 

In support of Geagea’s comments, Charles Jabbour, head of media and communication for the Lebanese Forces, also posted on X, stating that Hezbollah has not yet realized its armed role is over. He continued, “It’s also clear the state does not want to assume its responsibility by calling a cabinet meeting and adopting the U.S. proposal, which would restore Lebanon’s sovereignty with Israel and secure internal monopoly over arms. That means they are responsible for letting the proposal collapse and risking the return of war.” 

Barrack, a day earlier, and in a move to prompt action from the Lebanese side, posted on X calling for Lebanon to grab the opportunity as a historic moment to move past the tensions of sectarianism and fulfill Lebanon’s promise of one country, one people, one army.