Sayegh: Who Gave Hezbollah the Authority to Overthrow Regimes in the Region or Defend Entities?

Kataeb Lawmaker Selim Sayegh addressed the evolving situation in Gaza and its implications on Lebanon in a manner reflecting an attempt, as articulated by both Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to organically link the arenas.

"This implies a connection between Gaza and the south, and the south being linked to Gaza. Consequently, the timing is unified, though there may be a difference in the nature of the conflict. Secondly, Hezbollah, having transformed from a resistance movement to a regular army that opens one front and closes another, has become a key player. With no longer a Lebanese state taking the initiative, Hezbollah bears significant responsibility for what is happening, engaging in negotiations that typically involve regular armies," Sayegh said in an interview with OTV.

Regarding the differences between the July 2006 war and the current situation, he stated: "Hezbollah sought legitimacy because it did not anticipate the war in 2006. It requested UNSC Resolution 1701 and considered it an achievement and a political victory for the government and legitimacy, especially in the words of the duo and House Speaker Nabih Berri. Today, the resolution has changed; the government does not want to take responsibility for what is happening."

Sayegh added: "In 2006, Hezbollah admitted that it entangled itself, and through the words of Mr. Hassan, he said, 'If I had known,' acknowledging the entanglement of Lebanon with it. But today, there is a very rational approach, and the situation in Lebanon is understood. The Israeli side sends a message to Lebanon every day, without targeting the entire Lebanese land, and the Lebanese people do not want this war."

The Kataeb Lawmaker considered Hezbollah's narrative, stating that it expresses a desire to defend Gaza and martyrdom on the path to liberating Jerusalem, while linking Gaza to the borders.
 
This, in his view, isolates Hezbollah from the rest of the Lebanese environment, which he believes does not desire war.
 
He emphasized that this war is neither existential nor vital, and it is not considered a threat to the existence of Lebanon.
 
"The Lebanese entity is not linked to other entities in the region, and caution is needed to prevent Lebanon from being destroyed over the legitimacy of any cause," Sayegh indicated.
 
"We cannot approach what happened in the past with today's perspective. There is no Lebanese consensus, support, or unity regarding this war," he noted.
 
He reminded that Hezbollah withdrew from the south, and the army deployed along the borders with UNIFIL, as stipulated by UNSC Resolution 1701.
 
"Since 2006, there has been no significant breach of this resolution along the borders," he pointed out.
 
"Who authorized Hezbollah and made it responsible for overthrowing regimes in the region or defending entities or regimes? Who empowered it to overthrow a sovereign entity? Who gave it the right to commit to toppling the Israeli occupying entity?" he asked.
 
He pointed out the existence of a ceasefire agreement, asking, "Under which Lebanese creed, ministerial statement, or Lebanese-Lebanese agreement does one commit to overthrowing or preserving regimes?"
 
He added, "Hence, we assert that we do not allow the state to cover an action with the goal of overthrowing regimes or destroying countries. Our project is Lebanese and stands on the Lebanese borders."
 
He emphasized that his homeland is called Lebanon, not Palestine nor Syria.
 
Regarding the war in Gaza, he stated: "I do not see it as an Israeli victory because the Palestinian people are facing with remarkable courage in Gaza. I do not see a clear winner or loser. Therefore, we must take advantage of this balance to create a window of hope. Let us define our boundaries, and then we can stand on these boundaries and protect them with utmost vigilance. Most of the Naqoura lands, for example, have Christian endowments, as do the border villages. These lands are not exclusive to a sect or party."
 
He emphasized that the Palestinian cause should not be treated solely as a humanitarian cause but is inherently political and nationalist.
 
He urged finding a solution for the displaced Palestinian people who are living in inhumane conditions and facing various challenges.