Joelle Bou Abboud, a member of the Kataeb Political Bureau, emphasized the pressing need for a ceasefire in Lebanon, particularly as tensions continue to rise in Beirut’s southern suburbs.

“We no longer hear the government linking Lebanon's fate with Gaza's, which is an important stance that sets the foundation for the army's deployment along the borders and the implementation of Resolution 1701,” she said in an interview with Al-Kalima Online.

While welcoming this development, Bou Abboud did not shy away from addressing the challenges of the current political climate, as she acknowledged that some recent diplomatic efforts had raised concerns.

Bou Abboud also spoke about the ongoing presidential deadlock, criticizing Speaker Nabih Berri’s previous call for dialogue.

“Berri’s call for dialogue was aimed at prolonging the crisis, and the Kataeb Party is against institutionalizing such a dialogue, as it will lead nowhere,” she noted. According to her, the current political situation forced Berri to alter his stance, but the fundamental problem remains unresolved.

“We need to rebuild Lebanon’s institutions because they’ve been thrown aside,” she remarked, stressing the importance of electing a president as part of this rebuilding process. However, Bou Abboud warned that before any of this can happen, “the immediate priority is to halt the ongoing massacre and ceasefire.”

Bou Abboud was especially critical of Hezbollah’s role in escalating the conflict.

"Everything we warned about has happened, and Hezbollah is determined to continue the war, even wishing for a ground invasion, which is a very dangerous development." 

She stressed that a ceasefire must be implemented urgently, calling it a decision for both Parliament and the government, with the support of the opposition and the international community. This, she argued, would allow the army to deploy along the border areas abandoned during the conflict. 

“Afterward, we can work on rebuilding the State's authority and institutions.”

“No one currently knows who makes decisions within Hezbollah. Speaker Berri plays a significant role in pressing the party, while the international community must exert pressure on Israel and Iran to stop the fighting.”

Bou Abboud painted a grim picture of the situation in southern Lebanon and Beirut, likening them to Gaza.

“We are on a suicidal path, and Beirut and the South are becoming mini-Gazas,” she warned, calling for urgent action to prevent further deterioration.

Bou Abboud expressed concern for Lebanon’s Shia community, pointing out that not all members support Hezbollah’s war decision. 

“There is a faction that opposes it, with a more progressive discourse than ours. They refuse to accept humiliation. Is it truly dignity for someone to be displaced and homeless?” she asked.

“Hezbollah went to war without seeking national unity on its actions,” she said, underscoring that Lebanon is paying the price for Hezbollah’s unilateral decisions.

“Lebanon alone bears the cost of Hezbollah's unilateral decisions, and any new president must bring a new vision for Lebanon’s future.”

Bou Abboud concluded by extending a hand to the Shia community and others, stating, “We are in a new phase, working together to build a better nation. To our Shia brothers, we say: Your only refuge is with the Lebanese people. No political party rejoiced in the assassination of your leaders because we understand the weight of such a loss. Now is the time for everyone to recognize that the state is the only protector.”

As part of her wider vision for Lebanon’s stability, Bou Abboud called for the full implementation of UN Resolutions 1559 and 1680, in addition to Resolution 1701.

“Resolution 1701 was only partially implemented. One of its clauses calls for the enforcement of Resolutions 1559 and 1680. Therefore, we are demanding the full implementation of Resolution 1559,” she said, emphasizing that only the Lebanese Army should possess weapons.

Addressing recent concerns about a possible blockade, Bou Abboud highlighted the vulnerabilities in Lebanon’s infrastructure.

“Unfortunately, if a blockade happens, we only have one airport and one port,” she said, urging immediate action to open an alternative port and establish another airport for both security and economic reasons. She pointed out that MP Salim Sayegh has frequently raised this issue, emphasizing the need for additional infrastructure to safeguard Lebanon’s future.

Bou Abboud concluded by criticizing the “centralized governance” mindset of some political actors, arguing that Lebanon must modernize its infrastructure.

“There are basic and essential principles we must not compromise on. Every country in the world has more than one airport,” she remarked, highlighting the importance of decentralization for Lebanon’s security and economic resilience.