Walid Jumblatt Details 1982 Assassination Attempt, Says It Was Not Cause of Maronite Rift

In an interview with "Shahid ala al-Asr," Walid Jumblatt addressed a significant chapter of Lebanon's turbulent history, clarifying the circumstances surrounding an attempt on his life and its relationship to broader political divisions.

The Progressive Socialist Party leader revealed that the December 1982 assassination attempt against him did not serve as the primary reason for the deterioration of relations with the Maronite community. Despite the gravity of the attack, Jumblatt emphasized that other factors were instrumental in the subsequent estrangement.

Jumblatt disclosed that Elia Hobeika later confessed his involvement in orchestrating the assassination attempt. The admission came during a subsequent conversation between the two figures, providing Jumblatt with direct knowledge of who was responsible for the attack on his life.

The remarks offer insight into the complex web of political rivalries and sectarian tensions that characterized Lebanon during the civil war period and its immediate aftermath.