Maronite Patriarch Bechara Boutros Rai’s firm stance on the disarmament of Hezbollah in a recent interview received immediate backlash and provocations from the party’s allies, but also strong backing from political, religious and civil groups who defended Bkerke’s position on national sovereignty.
While Hezbollah supporters accused the Patriarch of undermining the “resistance,” others described his stance as the voice of Lebanon’s conscience and a reaffirmation of the country’s unity and independence.
The Maronite General Council, led by Engineer Michel Matta, strongly condemned what it called “cheap insults” directed at the Patriarch, saying that any attack on Rai was an assault on all Maronites and free Lebanese. It urged the state to take legal action against those responsible, warning that silence would encourage “moral and national decline.”
The Catholic Media Center expressed astonishment at the campaign against Rai, insisting that his position reflects the sacrifices of all Lebanese. It rejected accusations that his remarks aligned with Israel, pointing to Bkerke’s long history of solidarity with every community, including Shiites, during times of conflict.
The Christian Front also rallied behind the Patriarch, denouncing attacks by Hezbollah-affiliated figures, including al-Manar TV presenter Suhail Diab and Mufti Ahmad Qabalan. It warned that undermining the Maronite Patriarchate was a direct challenge to Lebanon’s identity, declaring Bkerke a “red line” that could not be crossed.
On social media, MP Ziad Hawat voiced support, writing on X that Rai’s stance represents the “overwhelming majority of Lebanese” and is in line with Bkerke’s historic role in safeguarding national sovereignty.
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