Lebanese Democratic Party Leader Talal Arslan Addresses War Impact on All Lebanese Amid Ongoing Israeli Aggression
In an interview with Al Mayadeen on Monday, Talal Arslan, leader of the Lebanese Democratic Party, emphasized that the current war is not solely a struggle for the Resistance or displaced persons but a fight that impacts every Lebanese citizen.
"This war affects every Lebanese," Arslan stated, underscoring the collective responsibility of the nation towards the displaced individuals, who he described as "our family and brothers." He added, "All Lebanese have faced crises at different times," highlighting the need for solidarity amidst ongoing turmoil.
Arslan reiterated that Lebanon’s response to the displaced population has been one of responsibility, stating, "Our stance in Mount Lebanon, as in all of Lebanon, is clear—we have acted with responsibility toward the displaced, and they are our collective responsibility to shoulder, regardless of how long this crisis may last."
Expressing gratitude for the aid received from both Arab and non-Arab countries, he condemned the "criminality and brutality" of the Israeli occupation, labeling it "an enemy of humanity as a whole."
Existential Struggle Against Israel
The Lebanese leader characterized the current conflict as an existential struggle against Israeli occupation, criticizing those who engage in internal disputes while failing to recognize the threat posed by Israel. He emphasized the importance of national unity, asserting, "The Lebanese model of coexistence between 18 different sects stands in stark contrast to the occupation, which will never let us live in peace."
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Arslan expressed unwavering confidence in the strength of the Lebanese Resistance, stating, "I do not feel any fear for the Resistance or the battlefield because I have full trust in the structure of this Resistance."
Remembering Sayyed Nasrallah
Reflecting on Hezbollah's martyr Secretary-General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, Arslan expressed personal sorrow, stating, "The loss of Sayyed Nasrallah would be painful because he is an irreplaceable figure." He noted that he never envisioned Nasrallah dying of natural causes, but rather expected him to become a martyr as he always wished.
He called upon all Lebanese citizens, regardless of their political affiliations, to "respect the blood of the youth who are fighting against the Israeli occupation," criticizing claims that the conflict is confined to southern Lebanon and the Bekaa region. "I fear for Lebanon as a whole, as a nation, from disintegration," he warned.
Critique of U.S. Support for Israel
Arslan also addressed U.S. support for Israel, asserting that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has received a "green light from the U.S. to carry out all his brutality and crimes." Despite this, he insisted that Lebanon "can only rely on the battlefield."
In a previous interview, Arslan had discussed the heavy toll on the people of the Golan Heights due to Israeli occupation, noting that the Israeli project aims to transform religious sects into ethnic groups, a notion he strongly rejects. He called for regional unity against the destructive forces of Israeli occupation, stressing that Israel disregards the lives of children and women in its pursuit of power.