Jibran Bassil, leader of the Free Patriotic Movement, said Lebanon must reject all sources of discord to protect the nation's sovereignty and independence [1].

This call for stability comes as Lebanon navigates deep internal political challenges. The emphasis on national unity reflects an effort to prevent sectarian conflict while maintaining the state's authority over its security apparatus.

Bassil made these statements on Tuesday following a meeting with Nabih Berri, the Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament [1, 2]. During the discussions in Beirut, Bassil said that national unity is the only way for the country to meet its current challenges [1].

Central to the discussion was the role of the military. Bassil said that the armed forces must remain under state control to ensure stability [1]. This position aims to safeguard the country's independence amid ongoing political volatility.

Regarding the internal security landscape, Bassil addressed the presence of non-state weaponry. He said there is no immediate solution for the weapons of Hezbollah [2].

Bassil also connected the country's political instability to systemic issues. He said corruption is the enemy of every Lebanese citizen, noting that it is responsible for the theft of deposits, and the emigration of the youth [2].

Throughout the meeting, the two leaders focused on preventing actions that could create sectarian discord [1]. Bassil said the priority must remain the preservation of Lebanese sovereignty through a unified national front [1].

“National unity is the only way to meet the country’s challenges.”

The meeting between Bassil and Berri signals an attempt to find a common political baseline between two influential Lebanese figures. By emphasizing state control of the military while acknowledging that Hezbollah's weaponry will not be resolved immediately, Bassil is attempting to balance the demand for state sovereignty with the reality of Lebanon's complex security architecture.