Walid Jumblatt advocates for armistice and Resolution 1701

A former diplomat has analyzed the recent stance of Walid Jumblatt regarding the ‘Framework Agreement,’ noting his advocacy for returning to the armistice agreement and UN Resolution 1701. This position is being compared to Jumblatt’s opposition to the May 17 Agreement in 1983.

Unlike the 1983 agreement, which was viewed as a political settlement under Israeli occupation that could have isolated Lebanon from its Arab environment, the current proposal focuses on a security and international framework. This approach seeks to separate border management from political recognition or normalization with Israel.

By proposing the armistice and Resolution 1701 as alternatives, Jumblatt is advocating for a framework that could strengthen state authority on the borders and restrict military and security decision-making to legitimate institutions, primarily the Lebanese Army. This shift implies a serious discussion regarding the future of weapons in the south and the state's responsibility for border protection.