This is a visual explainer based on the Wikipedia article on the Lebanese Forces. Read the full source article here. (opens in new tab)

The Cedar Vanguard

An in-depth exploration of the political and historical trajectory of the Lebanese Forces, a key Christian-based political party and former militia in Lebanon.

Learn More 👇 Explore History 📜

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!


When you are ready...
🎮 Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game🎮

Overview

Political Identity

The Lebanese Forces (LF) is a prominent Lebanese political party with a Christian base, originating from a powerful militia during the Lebanese Civil War. It currently holds significant representation in the Lebanese Parliament.

Foundation and Evolution

Established in 1976 by key Christian leaders, the LF evolved from a coordinating body for right-wing militias into a distinct political entity after the civil war. It has navigated complex alliances and conflicts throughout Lebanon's turbulent history.

Ideological Stance

The party champions Lebanese nationalism, Christian democracy, and liberal conservatism. It advocates for a strong, sovereign Lebanon, often emphasizing the rights and representation of the Christian community.

Key Information

🇱🇧
Lebanese Forces
al-Quwwāt al-Lubnāniyyah
Abbreviation LF
President Samir Geagea
Secretary-General Emile Moukarzel
Founder Bachir Gemayel
Founded 1976
Headquarters Maarab, Lebanon
Newspaper Almassira
Membership 50,000
Ideology Lebanese nationalism
Christian democracy
Liberal conservatism
Political Position Right-wing
National Affiliation March 14 Alliance (2005–2016)
European Affiliation European People's Party (regional partner)
Colours Red, White, Green
Parliamentary Bloc Strong Republic
Parliament
19 / 128
Council of Ministers
4 / 24
Website www.lebanese-forces.com

Historical Trajectory

Militia Era (1976–1990)

Formed as a coalition of Christian militias during the Lebanese Civil War, the LF played a significant role in the conflict, engaging in numerous battles against various factions. Its leadership and structure underwent considerable change during this period.

The Lebanese Forces originated as an umbrella organization for right-wing party militias within the Lebanese Front in 1976. It coordinated efforts against the Lebanese National Movement and the Palestine Liberation Organization. Key events include battles in Karantina, Damour, and Tel al-Zaatar. The militia was involved in significant intra-Christian clashes, notably between the Tigers Militia and the Kataeb forces, leading to internal power struggles and consolidation under Samir Geagea by the late 1980s.

Under Bashir Gemayel's leadership (1976-1982), the LF engaged in major conflicts, including the "Hundred Days War" against Syrian forces. Following Israel's 1982 invasion and the assassination of Bashir Gemayel, the LF's role became more complex, marked by internal strife and shifting alliances. The period under Amine Gemayel (1982-1988) saw continued clashes, particularly the "Mountain War" against Druze militias, and internal power struggles culminating in Geagea's rise. The "Elimination War" (1988-1990) saw the LF clash with Michel Aoun's Lebanese Army, ultimately leading to Aoun's exile and the end of the civil war.

Party Era (1990–Present)

Following the civil war, the LF transitioned into a political party. Its activities were repressed under Syrian occupation, leading to the imprisonment of its leader, Samir Geagea. The party re-emerged prominently after the Cedar Revolution in 2005.

After the civil war, the Lebanese Forces Party was formed, but faced suppression under Syrian occupation, with Samir Geagea imprisoned in 1994. The party's resurgence began with the Cedar Revolution in 2005, leading to Geagea's release and increased political influence. The LF became a key component of the anti-Syrian March 14 Alliance.

The party has actively participated in Lebanese politics, advocating for electoral reforms, the strengthening of Christian representation, and a reduction in Syrian influence. It has been involved in major political events, including the 2020 Beirut explosion aftermath and subsequent calls for international investigation. The LF has also experienced internal elections and cabinet participation, reflecting its ongoing role in Lebanon's political landscape.

Political Landscape

Alliances and Opposition

The Lebanese Forces has been a central player in Lebanese political alliances, notably the March 14 Alliance, advocating for a sovereign Lebanon free from foreign interference. It often finds itself in opposition to blocs aligned with Syria and Hezbollah.

Legislative Agenda

The party actively proposes legislation aimed at social reform, such as abolishing the death penalty and reforming laws related to sexual assault. It also focuses on strengthening Christian political rights and presidential powers.

Key Legislative Proposals
Date MP Proposal
02-06-2012 Elie Keyrouz Abolish death penalty in Lebanon
29-07-2016 Elie Keyrouz Abolish rape-marriage law (Article 522)
02-08-2023 Melhem Riachi, Georges Okais Legalize optional civil marriage in Lebanon

Public Discourse

The LF actively engages in public discourse, often taking strong stances on national issues, including the 2020 Beirut explosion investigation and regional political dynamics, such as the fall of the Assad regime.

Parliamentary Representation

Seat Distribution

Following the 2022 general elections, the Lebanese Forces emerged as the largest Christian-based party, securing 19 seats in the 128-member Parliament. This positions the party and its allied bloc, Strong Republic, as significant players in legislative dynamics.

Name Constituency Religion
Ghassan Hasbani Beirut I Greek Orthodox
Jihad Pakradouni Beirut I Armenian Orthodox
Elias Khoury North II – Tripoli Maronite
Fadi Karam North III – Koura Greek Orthodox
Sethrida Geagea North III - Bsharri Maronite
Ghayath Yazbeck North III – Batroun Maronite
Ziad Hawat Mount Lebanon I – Jbeil Maronite
Chawki Daccache Mount Lebanon I – Kesserwan Maronite
Melhem Riachi Mount Lebanon II – Metn Greek Catholic
Razi El Hage Mount Lebanon II – Metn Maronite
Pierre Bou Assi Mount Lebanon III – Baabda Maronite
Camille Dory Chamoun Mount Lebanon III – Baabda Maronite
Nazih Matta Mount Lebanon 4 – Aley Greek Orthodox
Georges Adwan Mount Lebanon 4 – Chouf Maronite
Ghada Ayoub South I – Jezzine Greek Catholic
Saiid Sleiman Asmar South I – Jezzine Maronite
Elias Estephan Bekaa I – Zahle Greek Orthodox
Georges Okais Bekaa I – Zahle Greek Catholic
Antoine Habchi Bekaa III – Baalbek-Hermel Maronite

Parliamentary Activities

The party actively participates in parliamentary debates and initiatives. Its members have proposed significant draft laws, reflecting a commitment to social reform and the advancement of specific political agendas within the Lebanese legislative framework.

Parliamentary Activities
Date MP Detail
02-06-2012 Elie Keyrouz Proposed abolishing the death penalty in Lebanon, substituting it with life imprisonment.
29-07-2016 Elie Keyrouz Proposed abolishing Article 522 of the Penal Code, which allowed perpetrators of sexual assault to escape prosecution if they married the victim.
02-08-2023 Melhem Riachi, Georges Okais Proposed legalizing optional civil marriage in Lebanon, allowing couples to choose municipalities for ceremonies and establishing legal recognition.

Cabinet Participation

The Lebanese Forces has consistently held ministerial portfolios in various Lebanese governments, reflecting its influence in national governance. These roles span key ministries, contributing to policy-making and national administration.

List of Ministers
Name Cabinet Position
Joseph Sarkis 2005–2008 Tourism
Antoine Karam 2008–2009 Environment
Ibrahim Najjar 2008–2009 Justice
Ibrahim Najjar 2009–2011 Justice
Salim Wardeh 2009–2011 Culture
Ghassan Hasbani 2016–2019 Deputy PM and Health minister
Melhem Riachi 2016–2019 Information
Pierre Bou Assi 2016–2019 Social Affairs
Ghassan Hasbani 2019–2020 Deputy PM
Richard Kouyoumjian 2019–2020 Social Affairs
May Chidiac 2019–2020 Culture
Camille Abousleiman 2019–2020 Labor
Youssef Raggi 2025–present Foreign Affairs
Joe Saddi 2025–present Energy And Water
Kamal Chehade 2025–present Displaced and IT & AI
Joe Issa Al-Khoury 2025–present Industry

Electoral Performance

The Lebanese Forces has demonstrated consistent growth in electoral performance, particularly in recent years, solidifying its position as a major political force in Lebanon.

Election Year Overall Votes % of Overall Vote Overall Seats Won +/-
2005 (6) 4.68%
6 / 128
New
2009 (6)
8 / 128
⬆️ 2
2018 168,960 (#4) 9.61%
15 / 128
⬆️ 7
2022 210,324 (#1) 11.63%
19 / 128
⬆️ 4

Teacher's Corner

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Edit and Print Materials from this study in the wiki2web studio
Click here to open the "Lebanese Forces" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit

Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Learn about lebanese_forces while playing the wiki2web Clarity Challenge game.
Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!

Play now

Explore More Topics

Discover other topics to study!

                                        

References

References

  1.  Harris (p. 162) notes "the massacre of 1,500 Palestinians, Shi'is, and others in Karantina and Maslakh, and the revenge killings of hundreds of Christians in Damur"
  2.  Ù‚صة الموارنة في الحرب – جوزيف أبو خليل
  3.  President Reagan and the World by Eric J. Schmertz, Natalie Datlof, Alexej Ugrinsky, Hofstra University
  4.  Special to the New York Times (4 September 1982). "Begin Said to Meet in Secret With Beirut's President-Elect". The New York Times. "Begin Said to Meet in Secret With Beirut's President-Elect"
A full list of references for this article are available at the Lebanese Forces Wikipedia page

Feedback & Support

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on publicly available data and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not political advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional political analysis, historical research, or consultation with qualified experts. Always refer to official sources and consult with professionals for specific needs.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.