Framework agreement risks polarizing Lebanon, but some opponents show flexibility
Israel and Lebanon signed a framework deal last week to end months of conflict between Hezbollah and Israel. Hezbollah's opponents, including Samir Geagea and Sami Gemayel welcomed the deal. So did President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam who had already vowed to extend the state's authority to all Lebanese territories.
Free Patriotic Movement leader Jebran Bassil voiced reservations but warned against dismissing it entirely.
Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem immediately declared the agreement "null and void."
Hezbollah ally Speaker Nabih Berri opposed the deal but said a settlement can be made. He said the deal will not pass as it is.
Druze leader Walid Jumblat said he does not support the agreement but "will not be part of a coalition to bring it down."
A political source told Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper that Berri is not planning to form one, because he does not want to polarize the country.
Berri has said repeatedly that the framework agreement would create strife, which he insists he does not want for his country. His aim is to block any attempts to divide or lure the country into strife.
The source said that what Berri means when he says the deal will not pass and cannot be implemented is that a settlement should be reached or amendments should be made to that deal for it to be able to be implemented.
"He still hopes to reach a settlement that takes his feedback and the feedback of other politicians who also have some remarks into consideration."
Source: Naharnet
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