Lebanese Forces

Lebanese Forces
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Name	Lebanese Forces
Native name	القوات اللبنانية
Leader	Samir Geagea
Foundation	1976
Ideology	Lebanese nationalism, Christian democracy, Conservatism, Anti-Syrian sentiment
Headquarters	Mār Mikhāyēl, Beirut
Country	Lebanon

Lebanese Forces. The Lebanese Forces is a Christian democratic and conservative political party and former militia in Lebanon. Founded in 1976 during the Lebanese Civil War, it emerged as the predominant military force for the Lebanese Front, a coalition of mainly Maronite Christian parties. The party is led by Samir Geagea and is a principal component of the March 14 Alliance, advocating for Lebanese sovereignty and opposing Syrian influence in the country's affairs.

History

The organization was formally established in 1976 through the merger of several Maronite militias, including the Al-Tanzim and the Guardians of the Cedars, under the umbrella of the Lebanese Front. Its creation was a direct response to the escalating violence of the Lebanese Civil War and aimed to coordinate Christian military efforts. Key early figures in its formation were Bachir Gemayel, son of Phalange Party founder Pierre Gemayel, and Fouad Abou Nader. Following the Israeli invasion of Lebanon in 1982, Bachir Gemayel was elected President of Lebanon but was assassinated before taking office, after which his brother, Amin Gemayel, assumed the presidency. Internal conflict culminated in a violent power struggle in 1985-86, known as the War of the Brothers, leading to Samir Geagea and Elie Hobeika taking control.

Ideology and political positions

The party's core ideology is rooted in Lebanese nationalism, Christian democracy, and a firm commitment to the preservation of Lebanon's independence and confessional political system. It is a staunch opponent of foreign military presence, having historically fought against the SSNP and the PLO, and later campaigning against the Syrian occupation of Lebanon. The party strongly supports the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1559, which called for the withdrawal of Syrian troops and the disarmament of militias like Hezbollah. It maintains a strategic alliance with Saudi Arabia and is part of the Western-aligned March 14 Alliance, frequently clashing with the March 8 Alliance and Hezbollah.

Structure and leadership

The party operates as a structured political organization with a central political bureau and various local offices. Its undisputed leader since the late 1980s has been Samir Geagea, who commands significant loyalty from the party's base. The current Deputy Prime Minister Saade Chami is a senior independent figure aligned with the party's bloc. Key decisions are often made by its Politburo, and it maintains a disciplined parliamentary bloc in the Lebanese Parliament. The party's headquarters are located at the Mār Mikhāyēl complex in Beirut.

Role in the Lebanese Civil War

During the Lebanese Civil War, the militia was one of the most powerful and organized factions, engaging in numerous pivotal battles. It fought extensively against leftist Lebanese National Movement militias, the Syrian Army, and Palestinian factions like the PLO. The group was involved in several controversial and bloody episodes, including its involvement in the Battle of the Hotels in downtown Beirut and the Battle of Zahle. Its forces also played a major role during the Mountain War against the PSP and Druze militias. The militia's history during this period is marked by both major military victories and allegations of severe human rights abuses.

Post-war political activities

Following the Taif Agreement in 1989, which ended the civil war, the militia was officially disbanded and transformed into a political party. However, its leader, Samir Geagea, was imprisoned from 1994 to 2005 for charges related to wartime activities. His release coincided with the Cedar Revolution and the withdrawal of Syrian troops. Since then, the party has been a major force in the March 14 Alliance, contesting elections and winning significant seats in the Parliament of Lebanon. It has consistently opposed the governments dominated by March 8 and Hezbollah, most notably leading a boycott of the cabinet following the 2020 Beirut explosion.

Controversies and legal issues

The organization has been implicated in several major wartime events, most notably the Sabra and Shatila massacre of 1982, though a direct command role was not proven in the subsequent Kahan Commission inquiry. Its former official Elie Hobeika, who led the Israeli-backed LF intelligence unit, was widely accused of involvement. Leader Samir Geagea was convicted and imprisoned for the 1990 assassination of rival Dany Chamoun and for the 1994 bombing of the Church of Our Lady of Deliverance in Zouk. The party and its members continue to face legal challenges and are frequent targets of lawsuits from former adversaries and families of victims from the civil war period.

Category:Political parties in Lebanon Category:Christian democratic parties Category:Lebanese Civil War militias