Former leader of the Progressive Socialist Party, Walid Joumblatt, issued a stark warning on Sunday about alleged Israeli schemes to destabilize the region during a press conference from his residence in Clemenceau. He also revealed plans to visit Damascus as part of ongoing political efforts.
Speaking on the preparations for the 48th anniversary of the assassination of his father, Kamal Joumblatt, he said, “I will visit Damascus again to remind everyone that it is the capital of Syria, and I have requested an appointment to meet with [Syrian President] al-Sharaa."
Concerns Over Regional Instability
Joumblatt expressed deep concern over what he described as an occupation in southern Lebanon and broader threats to Arab security. “We rely on the efforts of President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam in their communications with major powers,” he said, adding that Syria faces a deliberate campaign aimed at undermining its stability.
“The free people of Syria must be cautious of Israeli plots. If a small minority attempts to drag Syria into chaos, I do not believe that those who once unified the country will respond to Netanyahu’s call," he added.
Joumblatt accused Israel of attempting to exploit sectarian and religious divisions to fracture the region. “This is an old project, and its biblical expansionist vision knows no borders — from the West Bank to the land of Canaan,” he asserted. “Israel aims to establish Greater Israel, and it is the responsibility of Arab leaders to act before it is too late.”
He also blamed Israel for obstructing the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, which calls for a cessation of hostilities in southern Lebanon. “We will continue, as we always have, to stand with national forces against reconciliation with Israel until a Palestinian state is established and a solution is found for Palestinian refugees.”
A Call for Unity
Joumblatt concluded by emphasizing that the commemoration of Kamal Joumblatt’s assassination in 2025 should be a unifying event. “We want March 16, 2025, to be a large and popular commemoration. There will be no official invitations, and we want only the Lebanese flag to be raised.”
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