Jumblat slams Gemayel's call for 'neutrality' amid Israeli occupation

Former PSP leader Walid Jumblat criticized a proposition by Kataeb leader Sami Gemayel to introduce Lebanon's neutrality into the Lebanese constitution.

"Before we amend the constitution, hold on, will Israel withdraw from the occupied (Lebanese) territories?" Jumblat asked Thursday on the X platform.

He added that it is not for Lebanon's benefit to exit the Arab sphere and abandon the principle of "land for peace" -- which proposes Israel's fully withdrawal from occupied territories in exchange for peace and recognition from Arab states.

"As for amending the constitution, it would lead to a divisive internal debate that we can do without," he added.

Gemayel had said earlier this week that neutrality does not mean not taking positions on issues of justice in the world but it means that Lebanon would not militarily participate in any regional conflicts, hinting at Hezbollah's war with Israel in support of Hamas and the Palestinians.

He said that Hezbollah's weapons were incapable of protecting Lebanon and that the group has disastrously failed, leading to destruction and suffering.