US providing 'Israel' with cover for its crimes: MP Ali Hassan Khalil
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The political aide to the Lebanese Parliament speaker says "Israel" is violating the ceasefire, with US support, as the Resistance abides and Lebanon prepares for timely parliamentary elections.
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Former Lebanese Finance Minister Ali Hassan Khalil speaks during a press conference in Beirut, Lebanon, Monday, Jan. 3, 2022 (AP)
"Israel" continues its violations despite the ceasefire, Lebanese MP Ali Hassan Khalil affirmed, noting that the Resistance has adhered to the agreement so far.
In an interview for Al Mayadeen, MP Khalil affirmed that anyone who believes "Israel" has adhered to the ceasefire is mistaken, pointing out that the occupation continues its aggressions and incursions into Lebanese territory despite the agreement.
Khalil, who is also a political aide to Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and a former minister, added, "The Resistance has adhered to the ceasefire agreement with full commitment," citing "reports from both the Lebanese Army and UNIFIL forces," which confirm that "Lebanon has complied with the agreement."
The political aide welcomed the remarks of Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, who called on the Lebanese Army to confront Israeli incursions, describing the statement as a first step toward shaping a new national equation shared among all Lebanese.
US provides 'Israel' with political cover for its wars in the region
MP Khalil stressed that no one can fully predict the direction of the Israeli aggression, saying, "The possibility of a large-scale war cannot be ruled out entirely, as the facts on the ground show a higher level of escalation that requires caution."
He added that "Israel" is acting confidently because the United States continues to provide political cover for its wars against Lebanon and other countries in the region.
The former minister also stated that there is a possibility of establishing arrangements similar to those that followed the July 2006 war.
Speaking to Al Mayadeen, Khalil emphasized that the “mechanism” committee is a way for Lebanon to avoid engaging in direct negotiations with the Israeli occupation.
In this context, he said, "We support a ceasefire agreement and the implementation mechanism," asserting "the need to oblige Israel to halt its aggression."
The Lebanese MP, once again, categorically rejected any normalization with the Israeli occupation.
Parliamentary elections must be held on time
On the internal front, Khalil asserted that parliamentary elections must be held as scheduled, confirming that the Amal Movement will run jointly with Hezbollah in all electoral districts.
He argued that attempts to overturn the current electoral law entail targeting a foundational component of the country, pointing out that some political forces now calling for changes were the same parties that previously approved the law.
Khalil also noted that there are Lebanese citizens who cannot exercise their voting rights abroad.
Furthermore, he questioned whether the current government is capable of fulfilling its responsibilities.
Concluding his statements, he stated that personal attacks on Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri reflect the weakness of the opposing side, while accusing the Lebanese Forces party of blocking the state and harming public interests, stating that they “take pride in doing so.”
Khalil stressed that the state has a duty to address citizens' needs, especially reconstruction and securing the return of residents to their border villages. He called for launching rebuilding efforts and providing the resources necessary for the process.
