Gebran Bassil political and judicial positions in Lebanon

Gebran Bassil, leader of the Free Patriotic Movement, has taken several political and judicial stances regarding Lebanon’s national security and governance.

Initially, Bassil addressed a judicial body in Baabda to reject general amnesties for crimes committed against the Lebanese Army, arguing that such measures could undermine national security. He emphasized a commitment to the rule of law and the protection of soldiers.

Subsequently, Bassil expanded his criticism to include the Lebanese government and Hezbollah. Speaking in Zahle, he accused the government of failing to unify citizens against external threats and criticized Hezbollah for its inability to halt Israeli military advances despite its weaponry. He characterized current diplomatic efforts as “hypocrisy” and announced plans for a parliamentary accountability session to question government members regarding their relationship with Hezbollah and their management of the ongoing crisis.

On the second anniversary of the assassination of Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah, Bassil reflected on the 20-year political understanding between his party and Hezbollah. Writing in Al-Akhbar, he stated that the original goal was to protect Lebanese sovereignty and national unity without risking civil war. However, he noted a growing divergence in priorities, asserting that the Free Patriotic Movement prioritizes the state, whereas Hezbollah prioritizes the “resistance and its weaponry.” He emphasized that the resistance should exist within the framework of the state rather than acting as a substitute for it.