October 26, 2026
The former head of the Progressive Socialist Party, Walid Jumblatt, called for launching an immediate internal dialogue based on the principle of the exclusivity of weapons in the hands of the state, considering that negotiation with the “party” represents the only way to address this complex issue, and warning at the same time of the worsening crises in Lebanon and the region in light of the decline of American influence and the continuation of the Israeli policy based on force and the expansion of spheres of influence.
In an interview conducted with him by Sky News Arabia and The National newspaper website, Jumblatt confirmed that the United States is witnessing a gradual withdrawal from the region, while Israel seeks to fill this void, ruling out that the Israeli elections or the American midterm elections will bring about any radical change in the existing political reality.
He believed that the “party,” despite the weakening it has suffered as a result of recent wars, “still exists,” considering that the current course of dealing with this issue will not lead to any positive result. He pointed out in this context that the Lebanese-Israeli negotiations, mediated by America, were held over seven rounds without reaching any decision, at a time when Israel continues its occupation of southern Lebanon.
Regarding government performance, Jumblatt defended the Lebanese government by saying that it “tried,” avoiding describing its experience as a failure, but he considered that betting on Washington’s ability to pressure Israel to withdraw represents a “complete illusion.” He expected the Israeli presence to extend for many years, warning of efforts to erase “memories of the South,” suggesting preparations to establish settlements or colonies in parts of it.
Regarding the internal treatment of the “party’s” weapons, Jumblatt suggested drawing inspiration from the experience of the settlement between Britain and Ireland, stressing that the success of any disarmament step requires, in addition to internal dialogue, regional and international support that includes Tehran and Tel Aviv. On the other hand, Jumblatt strongly warned against voices calling for extremism in confronting the “party,” asking: “Should I become extremist? For extremism to lead to a civil war, as some diplomats or some local parties here want? I cannot accept that,” warning of the dangers of repeating previous experiences of involving the army in internal confrontations that might lead to its division.
At the regional level, Jumblatt criticized the tendencies of some Syrian Druze, considering that they are “taking the wrong path in history” and warning of the dangers of them becoming tools in the hands of Israel. He also expressed his belief that Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa seeks to build a new army, but Israel will not allow the establishment of a modern army in Syria.
Jumblatt concluded by stressing the inevitability of dialogue between the Lebanese despite the “horrific” expectations and dangers ahead, calling for opening channels of communication with the “party,” with the Iranian side when necessary, and with local forces that are hesitant to engage in dialogue. He considered that the “party’s” strategic decision was now being made in Tehran, not in Lebanon, which requires dialogue with the Iranians to reduce the escalation, stressing that the region’s crises will continue as long as Israel continues to rely on excessive force and expand its influence in the absence of any international deterrent.
