Former Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblatt called for inclusive national dialogue based on the principle of exclusive state control over weapons, warning that Lebanon faces mounting threats amid Israeli expansion and shifting regional dynamics.

In an interview with Hadley Gamble, broadcast on Sky News Arabia and published by The National, Jumblatt argued that Israel was exploiting declining US influence to expand its territorial control.

He expressed concern over continued Israeli occupation of South Lebanon, criticizing the failure of negotiations to secure withdrawal.

Jumblatt stressed that Hezbollah’s disarmament required dialogue involving all Lebanese parties, alongside Iranian and Israeli cooperation, warning against approaches that could trigger civil conflict.

He acknowledged Hezbollah’s continued influence and argued that Tehran played a decisive role in its policies.

Addressing Syria, Jumblatt criticized Druze factions cooperating with Israel and urged adherence to Syrian national unity.

He rejected sectarian partition and emphasized coexistence as essential to Lebanon’s future.

Jumblatt also questioned Washington’s regional policies, warned of further Israeli military escalation and urged renewed diplomatic engagement.

He concluded that dialogue remained Lebanon’s only viable path forward despite increasingly alarming regional prospects.