Jumblat 'doesn't mind' Franjieh's election, says Netanyahu, Israelis are 'crazy'

Former Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblat is growing impatient as Lebanon remains without a president after more than a year of vacuum and political bickering.

"We've been waiting for the Christians to reach an agreement for two years with no progress," Jumblat told al-Akhbar, in remarks published Wednesday.

The former PSP leader said he would accept any candidate to avoid the vacancy. "I don't mind electing anyone including Marada leader Suleiman Franjieh," he said, adding that this is his personal stance and not necessarily the democratic gathering bloc's stance.

Concerning the daily border clashes in south Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah, Jumblat said Hezbollah and Iran do not want war, accusing some Israelis of insanity. "There are crazy people in Israel," Jumblat charged. "A crazy Prime Minister and crazy generals," he added.

Israeli border has witnessed a near-daily exchange of fire between Israel's army and Hezbollah. 202 people have been killed in south Lebanon, 147 of them belonging to Hezbollah. At least 26 civilians have also been killed, including three journalists and two rescuers in addition to a Lebanese soldier.

More than 83,000 Lebanese have been forced to flee their homes since hostilities began, according to the International Organization for Migration.

On the Israeli side, 15 people have been killed in the northern border area, including nine soldiers and six civilians, according to the Israeli army.