BEIRUT – Despite having four ministers in Lebanon’s cabinet, Lebanese military leader Samir Giagea has “fighted” between President Joseph Aung and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam to secure key interests ahead of future parliamentary elections and avoid being treated as a non-party party in domestic or regional settlements.
Geagea recalls that he believed he deserved a presidential post not only because he was accustomed to his far-right popular Christian base but also to the Western Arab protections against Lebanon.
Geagea liked someone like Fouad Makhzoumi and Ashraf Rifi, who shared his anti-hazbollah vision to form the government.
Clearly, Geagea has managed to alienate Christian enemies, particularly free patriotism and Malada’s movement, as it maintains a key portfolio, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
This was his great hope during the US-November-November attacks on Lebanon. However, the consensus that led to the selection of Aoun and Salam undermined his plan.
In parallel, Geagea’s team repeatedly declared that they were ready to engage in an open conflict with Hezbollah.
This is clear from the provocative position of Foreign Minister Yousef Rajji.
In a clear breach of his duties as Foreign Minister, he continues to justify Israel’s attacks and condemn the resistance movement for clearly violating his mission as Foreign Minister. He serves as a spokesman for the Lebanese Army.
During his recent visit to Riyadh, Prime Minister Salam was informed of the need to contain Geagea.
On her side, Trump envoy Morgan Ortags informed Geagea during her recent visit to Beirut that direct negotiations with Israel and disarmament in Hezbollah are not currently a priority for Salam and Owns.
Geagea also felt it was restrained after being informed by Americans and Saudi Arabians that the challenge of disarming Hezbollah was not possible under the current situation in Lebanon.
What’s more, blocking Geagea’s plan is to work with Nawaf Salam as the ministerial team is welcome from a variety of socio-cultural backgrounds.
National interests are not important to the Lebanese military. They also favor privatization and prefer to abandon the welfare state.
Geagea also fears the momentum of the popular church that led to Aoun’s president. He also fears the support the president enjoys from Americans and Saudi Arabia, as well as the “union of necessity” and some Muslim troops and figures.
What underscores Geagea’s undeniable concern is that Ortagus met at his headquarters. He coincided with Raj’s “summoning” and Ambassador Lisa Johnson’s residence to ensure that Lebanese forces are important in confronting Hezbollah.