WALID JUMBLATT SLAMS THE AMERICAN DIPLOMATIC TRACK: We Made a Mistake Betting on Marco Rubio… Israel May Be Preparing to Establish Settlements in Southern Lebanon!
26 October 2026 | Lebanon
In striking remarks, former Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblatt questioned Lebanon’s reliance on American diplomacy, warning of dangerous Israeli plans for southern Lebanon.
The Failure of Betting on Washington: Jumblatt acknowledged that Lebanon made a mistake by choosing Marco Rubio’s diplomatic track instead of the Islamabad process. He argued that believing Washington could pressure Israel into withdrawing from Lebanese territory is nothing more than an illusion.
Negotiations Going Nowhere: He dismissed the possibility of meaningful progress in the current Lebanese–Israeli negotiations while Israel continues to occupy Lebanese territory.
The Threat of Israeli Settlements: Jumblatt warned that Israel appears to be attempting to erase the history, memory, and Lebanese identity of the south, potentially laying the groundwork for Israeli settlements in parts of the region.
Hezbollah’s Weapons: He stressed that dialogue and a political settlement are the only realistic ways to address Hezbollah’s disarmament, arguing that any such process would require arrangements supported by both Iran and Israel.
Political Analysis:
The significance of Jumblatt’s statements lies in the fact that they come from a political figure who does not share Hezbollah’s political or military approach, yet is now openly questioning the effectiveness of relying on American pressure to secure an Israeli withdrawal.
His remarks raise a fundamental question: If Washington cannot guarantee Israel’s withdrawal, how can Lebanon be expected to surrender its sources of strength before the occupation ends?
Lebanese sovereignty cannot be built on American promises, and genuine stability cannot be achieved while Israeli occupation and military threats against Lebanese territory continue.
The fundamental issue remains unchanged: How can Lebanon negotiate its security while part of its territory remains under occupation?
Source: Walid Jumblatt’s interview with IMI, 26 October 2026.