Joelle Bou Abboud, a member of the Kataeb Party's political bureau, sharply criticized both Hezbollah and Hamas, claiming that their actions have led their people down a path of destruction, warning that Hezbollah’s continued actions would have more catastrophic consequences for Lebanon.

During an interview on Voice of Lebanon radio station, Bou Abboud addressed the ongoing conflict, stating that even if the war in Gaza were to end, the conflict in Lebanon would persist. According to her, Israel is determined to eliminate the Hezbollah threat and reestablish control over northern territories, with no restrictions or “red lines” limiting its actions.

Bou Abboud did not hold back in criticizing Iran's role in Lebanon, accusing Iranian officials of overstepping their boundaries by positioning themselves as decision-makers for Lebanon. She called this behavior impertinent, highlighting how Iran’s influence has grown over time, to the point where it undermines Lebanon's sovereignty.

Bou Abboud praised the recent stance of caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati who lashed out at Iran's encroachment on Lebanon's sovereignty, describing it as a step in the right direction.

"When the State takes sovereign positions, we will definitely stand by it," she stated. 

Bou Abboud went on to stress the need for Lebanon to reclaim its sovereignty and urged Lebanese officials to block any further visits by Iranian officials.

“Lebanon wants diplomacy, not war,” she said, contrasting the stance of the Lebanese state with that of Hezbollah and Iran.

Bou Abboud underscored the importance of the Lebanese State reclaiming control over decisions of war and peace, arguing that Hezbollah had unilaterally declared war without parliamentary approval. She called on Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri to convene a session to take a unified stance on the war and push for an official resolution to stop it. Such a move, she suggested, would empower both Berri and Mikati to take more decisive actions.

She emphasized that Lebanon must move beyond mere verbal statements, demanding practical steps such as deploying the Lebanese army and handing full control over to the State. Bou Abboud expressed confidence that these actions would be supported by the Lebanese people, who are eager for bold and sovereign leadership.

The Kataeb official further insisted that Hezbollah must come back under the control of the Lebanese State. If the party views state authority as surrender, Bou Abboud suggested that this is a sign of internal dysfunction within Hezbollah itself.

Bou Abboud warned against internal divisions fueled by foreign powers, cautioning that such actions would lead Lebanon down a path of renewed civil conflict. She called on Hezbollah to end the "massacre" affecting all Lebanese and join the ranks of the national army. Strengthening the Lebanese army, she argued, is the key to ensuring stability and sovereignty.

Bou Abboud argued that a ceasefire must be tied to the deployment of the Lebanese army and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), under international pressure. This, she said, would require both internal and international support. She also called for an end to Hezbollah's monopoly on weapons and urged the group to recognize that handing over its arms to the army is not an act of surrender but rather one of securing the safety of the Lebanese people.

She emphasized that Lebanon must fully adhere to international resolutions, particularly UN Security Council Resolutions 1559 and 1701, both of which call for the disarmament of militias and exclusive state control of weapons.

"International resolutions cannot be selective," she said, referring to the need for Lebanon to fully implement these resolutions.

Bou Abboud concluded by reflecting on Hezbollah’s current position, arguing that the group's decisions are heavily influenced by Iran. However, she suggested that Hezbollah still has the opportunity to reconsider its approach and avoid further destruction.

"Who gave Hezbollah the right to drag us into war and devastation?" she asked, voicing the concerns of many Lebanese who oppose further conflict.

Finally, Bou Abboud criticized Iran’s response to Israel, asserting that it does not measure up to the gravity of recent developments, such as the potential assassinations of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah or Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. She emphasized that the goal is not to alienate the Shiite community but to ensure equality among all Lebanese sects.

In her closing remarks, Bou Abboud called for a Lebanon-first approach, stressing that the Lebanese army must be empowered to take full control, as this is where the solution to Lebanon's ongoing crises begins.