Hezbollah is the root of Lebanon’s problem, Gemayel reminds Macron

Nadim Gemayel, son of the late Lebanese President Bachir Gemayel, who was assassinated by Syrian forces in 1982, posted a sharp critique of French President Emmanuel Macron on X (formerly Twitter). 

In his message, Gemayel expressed frustration over France’s continued efforts to normalize Hezbollah, which he views as a terrorist organization responsible for numerous acts of violence, including the notorious Drakkar bombing in 1983 that killed 58 French soldiers.

In his post, Gemayel stated: "A reminder to President Macron and French officials who continue to normalize Hezbollah's existence, and even defend it: This terrorist militia is directly responsible for the Drakkar attack and has continued its violent acts since." He further criticized the distinction between Hezbollah’s military wing and its so-called political arm, calling it "unacceptable" and "an insult to the memory of French martyrs" who were victims of Hezbollah’s violence.

French Silence on Hezbollah

Gemayel’s comments come at a time when Macron has carefully avoided mentioning Hezbollah in public speeches, even during the Paris Conference on Lebanon held on Thursday. 

The French President, despite France’s historical ties to Lebanon and its key role in Middle East diplomacy, refrains from addressing the root cause of Lebanon’s instability — Hezbollah’s powerful grip on both political and military sectors in the country.

Macron’s approach of diplomatic silence regarding Hezbollah, a group backed by Iran, has been a subject of criticism by many, including Gemayel, who views it as a misstep that ignores the central issue of Lebanon's dysfunction. According to Gemayel, without addressing Hezbollah’s influence, any international efforts to stabilize Lebanon remain superficial and ineffective.

Gemayel concluded by urging France to recognize the reality of Hezbollah's terrorist nature and take decisive action in line with justice and peace.

This ongoing diplomatic dilemma illustrates Macron’s reluctance to confront a core issue in Lebanon's ongoing political crisis, raising questions about the effectiveness of international support in a country where Hezbollah holds significant sway.