Bassil hits out at Hezbollah, says army chief 'can't unify Lebanese'

Free Patriotic Movement chief Jebran Bassil on Tuesday noted that the FPM is not currently in an alliance with Hezbollah, adding that the ongoing war had started with "a Hezbollah attack on Israel."

"Hezbollah made a mistake when it worked on Shiite unity at the expense of Lebanese unity," Bassil added in an interview with Al-Arabiya's Al-Hadath channel, warning that Lebanon is facing "the threat of partitioning."

Holding Israel responsible for the war on Lebanon, Bassil cautioned that Lebanon is facing "the threat of internal strife and an existential danger."

"Iran must fight Israel directly, not through other parties," Bassil added, warning that "Israel's scheme is a threat to the entire Arab region."

As to the presidential file, Bassil said Army chief General Joseph Aoun "does not have a plan for Lebanon's success and cannot unify the Lebanese."