Jumblat does not trust US policy amid Israel boundles expansionist aims

What Happened

Former Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblat told Al-Jazeera that he holds deep distrust of United States foreign policy, accusing Washington of acting as a 'proxy mediator relaying Israeli ideas' and exhibiting absolute bias toward Israel. He stated that Israel possesses 'boundless expansionist aims,' citing its enforcement of a 'yellow line' buffer zone inside southern Lebanon, and argued that peace with Israel is impossible while it seeks to occupy Lebanese territory and 'tear its social fabric apart.' Jumblat called for 'international forces and a strong Lebanese army' to prevent any new Israeli invasion and insisted that neutralizing Lebanon from the broader regional conflict is no longer feasible, urging the country to 'set our core principles, adapt to them, and remain steadfast.'

Key Actors

Why It Matters

Jumblat's remarks reflect a growing current of distrust among prominent Lebanese political figures toward the US-brokered ceasefire framework, raising questions about its sustainability. By accusing Israel of deliberate territorial expansion and questioning US neutrality, he amplifies domestic pressure on the Lebanese state to bolster the LAF and maintain the truce, while also signaling that sectarian fragmentation (his reference to some Lebanese not considering the south integral) remains a vulnerability. The statement may influence political discourse on defense policy and the implementation of UNSCR 1701.

Watch For

Monitor for official responses from Hezbollah, the Lebanese caretaker government, and the LAF command regarding Jumblat's call for a stronger military and international forces. Watch for any Israeli military activity along or adjustments to the reported 'yellow line' buffer zone in south Lebanon. Also note any statements from US mediators or UNIFIL addressing Lebanese skepticism about the ceasefire or US impartiality, and potential parliamentary or cabinet discussions on LAF reinforcement.