Kataeb Political Bureau Member Joelle Bou Abboud, expressed regret that the Lebanese people are excluded from the ongoing ceasefire negotiations, especially as these talks determine their future and the next course of action.

She noted that the Lebanese remain uninformed, relying solely on media reports, which poses a significant institutional risk, given the lack of clarity on who will sign, implement, and guarantee the agreement.

Bou Abboud emphasized that the proposed deal offers no reassurance to the Lebanese, neither in form nor content.

In an interview with Al-Jadeed, Bou Abboud stated, "We demand a clear agreement that culminates in Hezbollah surrendering its weapons to the state, restoring institutional authority, and providing guarantees for all Lebanese. The leaked terms of the deal are disgraceful for Lebanon as if we entered this war without a purpose. Furthermore, it separates Lebanon from Gaza, contrary to Hezbollah’s demands, under international supervision. The war was senseless, destructive to Lebanon, and if the agreement proceeds as it stands, we will reject it."

She argued that UNSC Resolution 1701, without the implementation of resolution 1559—which calls for exclusive state control over weapons—essentially represents an agreement prioritizing Israel’s security and Hezbollah’s interests.

Bou Abboud further asserted that Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri is merely a mediator between Hezbollah, Iran, and Israel and not the ultimate decision-maker.

"Berri’s mandate was a political maneuver to grant Hezbollah legitimacy. He lacks executive authority and cannot sign on behalf of MPs or speak for them without a law passed by Parliament," she stated.

She added, "One of the underlying reasons Hezbollah opposes electing a president is to maintain its freedom to control the country."

She emphasized that UNSC Resolution 1559 is inseparable from 1701, and if the latter is disregarded, the Taif Agreement—which explicitly calls for exclusive state control over weapons—must be upheld.

"We cannot operate selectively," she affirmed.

Bou Abboud viewed the ceasefire agreement as an opportunity to build a strong nation and a state of institutions.

She declared, "We will not accept Hezbollah retaining its weapons or continuing its terrorism. We will not endorse any agreement without guarantees of disarming Hezbollah, or else we will fall into the same cycle, leading to new wars."

She stressed that the issue goes beyond a defensive strategy to the exclusivity of state authority over arms and decisions of war and peace.

"Hezbollah must surrender its weapons to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF). Recycling old approaches is no longer viable," she noted.

Bou Abboud concluded, "It is not a sin to call for Hezbollah to hand over its arms to the LAF. We urge Hezbollah to take a national stand, a moral stand, for Lebanon’s salvation."