Kataeb Political Bureau member Joelle Bou Abboud highlighted the positive response to party leader Samy Gemayel's recent call for reconciliation and open dialogue in Parliament, describing his address as "unifying and national."

In an interview with This Is Lebanon, Bou Abboud pointed to the widespread applause Gemayel received and the subsequent reactions as evidence that his initiative resonated across political lines.

"The speech rose above the petty political considerations that some are trying to drag the country into, as if nothing had happened. The call struck a chord because it emphasized the need, after everything we've endured, to pause, understand what happened, and identify the recurring issues that plunge us into wars and crises," she said.

Bou Abboud noted that the Kataeb Party is building on this initiative, observing a "practical response" with several political figures echoing the importance of open dialogue.

"A new dynamic has emerged in the country," she remarked.

Regarding concrete steps, she revealed that the Kataeb Party has urged President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri to convene a national dialogue table, bringing all factions together to openly address their concerns and acknowledge past mistakes.

"There must be accountability, especially regarding the devastating war that brought us to where we are today," she asserted.

Bou Abboud underscored the ongoing consequences of the war, pointing to continued Israeli military presence at certain points and breaches of the ceasefire, making reconciliation efforts crucial for long-term stability.

Commenting on recent statements made by Hezbollah's Secretary-General Naim Qassem, Bou Abboud said they indicated that the party had "learned nothing and remains entrenched in its old stance." However, she expressed hope that some voices within Hezbollah and the Shiite community recognize the unsustainable nature of the status quo.

"Hezbollah no longer has many options. If it's serious about reintegrating into the Lebanese state, it must surrender its weapons," she said.

Bou Abboud added that Hezbollah could no longer impose conditions on the state or the Lebanese people. She interpreted Qassem's rhetoric as an attempt to maintain internal cohesion after the heavy toll of conflict, arguing that Hezbollah now faces two choices: disarm or face increasing pressure.

On the topic of Lebanese diplomatic efforts that secured the release of prisoners held by Israel, Bou Abboud contended that had Hezbollah led the negotiations, "no one would have been freed." She hailed this shift as a sign of Lebanese diplomacy reclaiming its role after decades under Hezbollah's influence.

Turning to the government, Bou Abboud praised the ministers for their competence and alignment with Lebanon's new trajectory. She expressed optimism about the country’s direction but cautioned that significant challenges remain.

Regarding Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri's recent comments, Bou Abboud accepted his clarification but remained unsure if his remarks were merely a slip of the tongue.

"The president's inaugural address made clear the state's exclusive right to bear arms and its authority over all Lebanese territories, as reiterated in the ministerial statement and President Aoun's speech at the Arab Summit. This alignment reflects our current course," she explained.

She highlighted Lebanon's cautious reintegration into the Arab and international fold, stressing that the road ahead requires careful navigation and substantial effort.

"The pressure will be immense, but the path we are on is promising and must be pursued," she added.

Bou Abboud also commended Justice Minister Adel Nassar, describing him as "competent and self-made," with a firm grasp of the cases he oversees. She highlighted his interventions regarding chaotic protests near the airport and his role in the Beirut port explosion investigation, where he supported Judge Tarek Bitar's pursuit of justice. Additionally, she praised his initiative to propose a draft law aimed at easing the tax burden on the tourism sector, a crucial employer in Lebanon.

As for the upcoming municipal and mayoral elections, Bou Abboud confirmed Kataeb's participation in areas where the party has a presence, fielding candidates for mayor, municipal council, and local head positions. She stressed the significance of these elections as a cornerstone of democracy, noting that local elections had been repeatedly postponed under various pretexts.

"One-third of municipalities are currently inactive, and local councils play a vital role in supporting citizens and providing public services, especially amid the dysfunction of the central government," she said.

Bou Abboud concluded by affirming the Kataeb Party's commitment to democratic processes, asserting that municipal elections are essential for restoring civic engagement and enhancing local governance.