Free Patriotic Movement leader Gebran Bassil has said that Hezbollah has made “mistakes” since the 2006 war with Israel, but that the wrongdoings of any Lebanese factions does not justify siding with Israelis, Al Jazeera reports.

Bassil, who is the son-in-law of former President Michel Aoun and whose party represents the Maronite Christian community, stressed that Israel was the one waging war on Lebanon and destroying its economy, homes, and social fabric.

He added that condemning Hezbollah’s actions does not mean ignoring the reality on the ground.

Divisions have been deepening in Lebanese society since President Joseph Aoun took the unprecedented decision of holding direct talks with Israel.