Former Prime Minister Saad Hariri asserted on Wednesday that he would not reconsider his withdrawal from politics at this time. He emphasized that his return to the political scene is not currently a priority for the Lebanese people.
In an interview with Al-Hadath channel on the anniversary of Rafic Hariri’s assassination, Hariri explained that “when I suspended my political activity, it was due to reasons I had previously expressed. I saw Lebanon going through a perilous phase, and we are now still in a precarious situation with no presidential election or any progress in that regard.”
Discussing the situation in the South, he noted, “It is evident that Netanyahu is trying to manipulate the situation in Lebanon into various scenarios.”
Hariri further asserted, “Today, Hezbollah and Iran are not seeking war with Israel, and we must stand in solidarity with Gaza without diverting attention from it.”
Regarding the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafic Hariri, he highlighted, “After the decision of the International Tribunal, we acted with the intention of avoiding a civil war in Lebanon.”
“Inform the killer that retribution is inevitable, even if delayed. They must pay the price, and they are paying this price,” Hariri stated.
Earlier, during a meeting with a delegation from the Future Movement, he remarked, “Conspiracies abound against us. Today, I felt as if it were 2005, but I am relying on you, and I will remain with you. Even though I left politics, I will not leave you, and we will meet soon.”
“We are going through a challenging phase, and some were against my decision to suspend my political activity. However, I have come to realize that I made the right decision,” Hariri emphasized.
Earlier, delegations from various Lebanese political parties visited Hariri at Beit al-Wasat (House of the Center).
Kataeb MP Elias Hankash, after the meeting, stated that it was an opportunity for in-depth discussions with Saad Hariri. He expressed hope for a similar meeting with the party president to discuss sovereign solutions and challenges facing the country, emphasizing the importance of unity in confronting current issues.
Additionally, a delegation from the Strong Republic bloc, led by MP Georges Adwan and representing the Lebanese Forces (LF) party and its leader Samir Geagea, visited Beit al-Wasat.
On this occasion, Adwan remarked, “We remember Hariri, and today we came to convey greetings from the head of the Lebanese Forces, Samir Geagea, to former Prime Minister Saad Hariri.”
The LF delegation also paid respects at the tomb of Rafic Hariri.
Furthermore, a delegation from the Amal Movement, led by MP Mohammed al-Khawaja, visited Beit al-Wasat. Khawaja expressed his belief that the key to improving the country’s situation lies in electing a president and forming a reformist government.