Chances of US initiative at elections time 'nonexistent': Lebanese MP

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen
4 Nov 2024 00:39

Lebanese MP Ali Hassan Khalil emphasizes the significance of resistance, national unity, and the Lebanese Army's role in defending sovereignty against Israeli aggression.

Listen

Lebanese Parliament member Ali Hassan Khalil speaks to Al Mayadeen on November 3, 2024. (Al Mayadeen)

Lebanese Parliament member Ali Hassan Khalil stated that the timing of the US initiative to end the war on Lebanon coinciding with the US presidential elections made its chances of success "nonexistent".

In an interview for Al Mayadeen, he stated, "There is no difference in betting on either the Democratic or Republican sides of the United States and who reaches the White House," emphasizing that both parties are competing to support "Israel".

However, he highlighted that "Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri is open to any party in the initiative that leads to ending the war" and aims to "establish a national position and achieve national unity."

Pointing to the actions of US President Joe Biden and Israeli occupation leaders, Khalil remarked that they have worked toward maintaining the "Jewishness of the state," asserting that "this entity is the antithesis of religions and unity projects."

He stressed that the only deterrent to the Israeli aggression against Lebanon is "the steadfastness of the Resistance fighters and inflicting losses on the occupation forces, along with the resilience of the Lebanese people."

Khalil discussed the principles upheld by Speaker Berri, noting they "stem from respecting UN Resolution 1701 as the only formula for a solution." He addressed the topic of deploying the Lebanese Army in South Lebanon, asserting that it "does not affect our commitment to resisting the Israeli occupation" and that "our goal is for it to play its role in defense."

Lebanon's sovereignty: Utmost importance

The Lebanese MP also commented on the recent kidnapping of a Lebanese maritime captain by the Israeli army in Batroun, stating that this issue falls under the responsibility of the Lebanese Army, which must clarify the Israeli breach of sovereignty and what actions it should have taken to prevent such an operation.

Khalil asserted that the Lebanese Army's role is to defend its positions along the border with occupied Palestine. He condemned the Israelis' disregard for international resolutions and their ongoing project of total control over Gaza, equating their actions to genocide.

Addressing Israeli military strategies, Khalil expressed his belief that despite attempts to "repair what happened to them in the 2006 war by directly targeting the Resistance," Israel will not achieve victory on the ground. He explained, "The Israelis know they are unable to control the situation, and the Resistance remains steadfast." Khalil asserted, "They will not prevail."

He emphasized, "This enemy understands only the language of power," noting the synergy between military action and political mobilization.

On that note, Khalil maintained that "it is not possible to separate political resistance from battlefield resistance."

What governs Lebanon is the national pact

Khalil underscored the significance of the sacrifices made by the Resistance fighters, stating that these efforts provide strength and momentum to the political stance. He affirmed that "the Resistance has not employed its strength within Lebanon despite all the power it enjoys," adding that "what governs us at the level of Lebanon is our national pact."

Khalil stressed that some parties' ideas of planning for the future based on the defeat of the Resistance are an "illusion", calling on those with such views to reconsider.

Khalil recognized that the Lebanese exhibit a high level of awareness, emphasizing that their response to the displacement issue indicates that Lebanon is more deeply interconnected contrary to the schemes of some people.

Addressing the Israeli assaults on the cities of Tyre and Baalbek, he put them within the framework of "targeting history", through which they are "trying to break Lebanon's image of civilization."

On the topic of Lebanese presidential elections amid the war, Khalil stressed, "We do not link what is happening at the regional level and in the south to the Lebanese presidential elections," asserting that the events have imposed the priority of ending the war.

He cautioned, "No one should assume that the results of this war will alter the balances in the Lebanese Parliament, bringing forth a Lebanese president to the liking of some."

Khalil concluded by addressing the need to preserve the social and political contract represented by the Taif Agreement in Lebanon, which guarantees national unity.

He also paid tribute to the martyred Resistance leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, emphasizing that his martyrdom represented an exceptional loss of an exceptional man, acknowledging his significant role in many aspects of Lebanon's history.

He expressed confidence that "the Lebanese will recognize the great value of Sayyed Nasrallah due to his considerable significance in the upcoming phase."