Kataeb Party leader Samy Gemayel called on Hezbollah to voluntarily surrender its weapons, emphasizing that disarmament is no longer up for debate but rather a fundamental obligation outlined in the country’s Constitution, law, and international resolutions.

“The question of whether Hezbollah should disarm is not negotiable,” Gemayel said in a speech at an event marking the 50th anniversary of the launch of the Lebanese Resistance. “The Constitution, the law, and international resolutions are clear. The only discussion we should have is not about the principle of disarmament itself, but about the mechanism through which it will happen.”

Addressing Hezbollah directly, he said: “You must hand over your weapons, just like others have. This is your responsibility if Lebanon is to be rebuilt.”

He stressed that resolving the issue of weapons is crucial for rebuilding Lebanon’s State institutions and restoring trust among its citizens, as he called on Hezbollah to acknowledge that the era of non-state arms must come to an end.

“You fought, you tried, and we all saw the outcome,” Gemayel said. “It’s time to recognize that there’s no alternative to the State. Weapons cannot exist outside the framework of the State.”

Gemayel underlined that only the State can provide the necessary security and ensure that future generations do not experience the suffering of previous wars.

‘A Victory for Lebanon’

Commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Lebanese Resistance, Gemayel declared what he called a symbolic victory for Lebanon’s sovereignty and national identity.

“Today, fifty years later, we celebrate the victory of the Lebanese Resistance; a victory for the finality of Lebanon’s identity over plans of annexation and integration; a victory for Lebanon over all occupiers, resettlement schemes, and substitute homelands; and a victory for State sovereignty over sectarian statelets,” Gemayel said.

“This victory belongs to you, the martyrs and the living fighters,” he continued. “Today, we bow to your faith and sacrifices.”

Speaking from Ain El-Remmaneh, Gemayel reaffirmed his party’s core values: “Lebanon comes first. Lebanese sovereignty comes first. Lebanese dignity comes first.”

He paid tribute to the over 5,500 Kataeb martyrs, emphasizing that his aim was not to reopen old wounds but to correct the historical distortions that began in 1990 under Syrian tutelage.

“We understand the horrors of war better than anyone, because we know the price of death. We’ve mourned our loved ones, our comrades.”

“We must tell the truth about what happened, and honor our heroes,” he said. “How can we build a new country if we don’t understand the past and clearly distinguish between right and wrong?”

Rewriting History

Gemayel took aim at those who label Lebanon’s civil war merely as an internal conflict, arguing that the resistance was, in fact, a battle against foreign forces.

“Some speak of civil war as if the Lebanese suddenly turned on each other, but the reality is the Resistance consisted of Lebanese people defending against foreign aggressors—Palestinians and Syrians,” he said. “The State was paralyzed, and there was a real plan to replace Lebanon with Palestine as an alternative homeland.”

He recalled how the then-President Suleiman Frangieh admitted that the State could not protect its people and described the Syrian army’s presence as an occupying force.

“The conflict began with the siege of the Fayadieh barracks. Hafez al-Assad wanted to dominate Lebanon, and the battles spread from Zahle to Duwar.”

“How can we call this a civil war when our martyrs died fighting foreign armies?” he asked.

Gemayel further underscored that the resistance was defensive, not offensive.

“We didn’t want war. The role of the State is to protect its citizens. But when the State failed to do so, thus, we had no choice but to defend ourselves. War came to us; we didn’t seek it. We are the people of Ain El-Remmaneh, Chekka, Ashrafieh, Sannine, Dekwaneh, and Zahle. War came to us.”

‘It’s Time to Honor Our Heroes’

He reiterated his call for the State to officially recognize and honor all those who defended Lebanon.

“Our martyrs fell in their own neighborhoods and streets,” he said. “It’s time for the State to acknowledge them. Every citizen who stood against foreign invaders deserves recognition.”

Gemayel pointed out that nations worldwide honor their resistance fighters in schools.

“Why is Lebanon any different? We are proud of our martyrs. Without them, Lebanon wouldn’t have survived.”

He urged that remembrance should serve as a safeguard against repeating history’s mistakes.

“This is the first time in 30 years that we speak openly about the war. It’s not easy to revisit this chapter, but we must learn the lessons it offers.”

A Call for National Unity

Gemayel once again linked the eruption of war to the presence of illegal weapons, warning that only the State could provide lasting security.

“It’s time to accept that only the State can protect us,” Gemayel said. “Only the State can ensure our children are not forced to endure the same suffering we experienced.”

A Shared History, A Unified Future

Gemayel emphasized the need to forge a shared Lebanese narrative.

“We are ready to listen to others and embrace our differences,” he said. “That is the foundation of building a unified Lebanese story. One that teaches us to live together in peace, not to eliminate or betray one another.”

“This will require courage. An open hand must be met with another. Let us overcome our fears and embrace our diversity. Together, let’s build a common history and honor all those who sacrificed for Lebanon.”

He called for a balanced national memory. “We must recognize those who fought against Israel and those who resisted the Syrians.”

A Historic Opportunity

Concluding his address, Gemayel urged all Lebanese to seize the moment and create a new chapter in the nation’s history.

“We’ve squandered too many opportunities to build our country. Everyone has the right to their opinion, but we all have a duty to protect one another. We must submit to the exclusive authority of the State and move forward with the process of national renewal.”

“The world is watching and ready to help, but only once we take responsibility. This is a historic opportunity to create a nation for our children, for future generations.”

Gemayel wrapped up his address with a reaffirmation of the Kataeb’s role in Lebanon’s future.

“The Kataeb is Lebanon’s conscience and its shield. We will not compromise or surrender. It is a school that taught us to sacrifice for Lebanon. There is no ‘big’ or ‘small’—we are all comrades in this fight.”