Kataeb Political Bureau member Joelle Bou Abboud warned that Lebanon risks further turmoil unless Hezbollah surrenders its weapons, stressing that the group must integrate into the state under conditions of equality and national sovereignty.

In an interview with Lebanon Files, Bou Abboud highlighted divisions within Hezbollah, noting that while some members advocate reassessing the group’s role after the latest conflict, others remain entrenched in their current stance. She described Hezbollah Deputy Secretary-General Naim Qassem’s recent speech as contradictory, blending positive rhetoric with ambiguity that reflects internal uncertainty.

“The next phase remains unclear,” she said. “That is why Lebanese Kataeb Party leader MP Samy Gemayel has called for a return to the state—but under specific conditions: equality, disarmament, and sovereignty. Without addressing this issue, Lebanon will face nothing but new wars and crises.”

Bou Abboud pointed to Gemayel’s recent speech in Parliament, in which he directly addressed Hezbollah MP Mohammad Raad, arguing that the group's weapons had failed to protect Lebanon and instead brought destruction.

Addressing MP George Okais’ criticism of Gemayel, Bou Abboud dismissed the remarks, saying: “I do not know what considerations Okais had in mind, or if he misspoke. But what he said had already been expressed by the Kataeb leader before and during the session. Samy Gemayel appealed to the conscience of the Lebanese people because conscience is the foundation of dignity and identity.”

She added that while other MPs focused on internal politics and the government's ministerial statement, Gemayel confronted Lebanon’s core crisis.

“Okais knows exactly who Samy Gemayel and the Kataeb Party are,” she said. “Whether people support or oppose us, they know we are unwavering in our positions. We do not engage in political deals or compromises. That is why I do not understand the reasoning behind his remarks.”

Turning to Lebanese President Joseph Aoun’s visit to Saudi Arabia, Bou Abboud welcomed the trip as a key diplomatic shift.

“Lebanon is closing a chapter in which it was forcibly pushed away from its Arab environment and into the Iranian axis,” she said. “For too long, Hezbollah dictated Lebanon’s foreign policy. Today, we are returning to our rightful position within the Arab world and with our international partners—Arab, European, and American.”

On the issue of Hezbollah’s weapons, Bou Abboud rejected the idea that reconstruction should be separated from the group’s disarmament.

“If the weapons are not surrendered, we will face new wars,” she said. “We cannot keep destroying Lebanon and then rely on international aid to rebuild it every time.”

She argued that Hezbollah is politically weaker than before.

“Hezbollah was strong when it had the backing of other sects. But today, it stands alone. If Hezbollah believes it can continue operating with the same strategy, the coming days will prove otherwise.”

Bou Abboud pointed out that Israeli military actions had severely damaged Hezbollah’s infrastructure, yet the group continues to claim victory.

“Victory is not measured by the damage inflicted on Israel when Lebanon has suffered greater destruction,” she said. “Over a million Lebanese were displaced into shelters, while Israeli residents in the north were relocated to hotels.”

She emphasized that the ceasefire agreement and UN Security Council Resolution 1701 require Hezbollah to disarm.

“If Hezbollah had surrendered its weapons, Lebanon would have fulfilled its part of the agreement,” she stated, adding that Israel exploits Hezbollah’s armed presence as justification for its own violations. “We do not excuse Israeli violations, but Hezbollah’s weapons serve as a pretext for them.”

Bou Abboud insisted that diplomacy remains Lebanon’s only viable path.

“Solutions do not come overnight,” she said. “But there is no alternative—Hezbollah has tried its approach, and what was the result?”

She reiterated the Lebanese Army’s role as the country’s sole legitimate defender, noting its internal cohesion, international support, and public legitimacy—qualities Hezbollah will never possess.

Bou Abboud rejected the notion that Hezbollah represents all Lebanese Shiites.

“We refuse to equate the entire Shiite sect with Hezbollah,” she said. “Fifty percent of Shiites did not participate in the last elections. That speaks volumes.”

She criticized Hezbollah for imposing its ideology on Lebanon, accusing it of holding the country hostage to foreign agendas. Despite this, she said the Kataeb Party remains open to dialogue.

“We continue to tell Hezbollah: integrate into the state, surrender your weapons, so we do not keep reliving the same crises.”

On potential peace with Israel, Bou Abboud stressed that any agreement must meet clear conditions.

“Peace cannot be imposed; it requires internal consensus, the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from every inch of Lebanese territory, and a resolution to the Palestinian issue.”

Finally, she insisted that Lebanon cannot move forward without accountability.

“We cannot simply forgive and forget. Lebanon must have a state that enforces accountability, imposes legitimate authority nationwide, and ensures that everyone is subject to the rule of law.”