In an exclusive interview with Annahar, Walid Jumblatt stressed the importance of the Taif Agreement, which “puts an end to any armed group or activity outside the framework of the Lebanese state.” He noted that the presence of Hezbollah elements in southern Lebanon means the party “violates international resolutions and the Taif Agreement,” adding that its secretary-general, Naim Qassem, is “out of time and place, acting under Iranian orders at Lebanon’s expense, and at the expense of the Shia citizen and the Lebanese people.”

Furthermore, Walid Jumblatt said that “the army previously did a tremendous job, but it needs more support,” and described the cancellation of the army support conference as “a big mistake.”

Regarding the Israeli war in Lebanon, and in response to a question about the possibility of a prolonged conflict and a potential ground invasion by Israeli forces in southern Lebanon, Walid Jumblatt said that “anything is possible.” He went on to speak about the war involving Iran, predicting “a long war,” as the goal set by the United States to overthrow the Iranian regime is not easy, given Iran’s military and political structure and the presence of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in such a vast country.

The Mount Lebanon area is hosting large numbers of people from the south and the suburb, and the Progressive Socialist Party is undertaking relief efforts to assist the displaced. When asked about this issue, Walid Jumblatt simply responded, “this is our duty as Lebanese.”

Earlier, Nawaf Salam confirmed, following the conclusion of the cabinet meeting, “the state’s rejection of any military or security actions originating from Lebanese territory.”

He stated, “The council decided its absolute rejection of any military actions outside the legitimate state institutions, stressing that the decision of war and peace is exclusively in the hands of the state, which necessitates restricting Hezbollah’s activities and compelling it to disarm.”

He added that “what Hezbollah did constitutes a departure from the council of ministers’ resolutions.”

He announced that the government is “requesting the army leadership to commence resolutely with the implementation of the council of ministers’ plan regarding restricting weapons north of the Litani River.”

Hezbollah announced rocket salvos towards Israel, in response to the assassination of Ali Khamenei.