Lebanese Forces chief says Hezbollah arms prolong Israeli presence in the south

LONDON: Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea accused Hezbollah on Monday of helping prolong Israel’s military presence in south Lebanon, saying the group’s refusal to disarm had prevented the Lebanese state from securing an Israeli withdrawal. Geagea made the comments in a statement responding to remarks by Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem, who said the group would not surrender its weapons and blamed Israel for Lebanon’s crisis. However, Geagea pointed the blame at Hezbollah’s arsenal of weapons. “Y