Kataeb leader Samy Gemayel has underscored that neither Hezbollah nor Israel seeks escalation, yet he issued a stark warning that both sides are treading dangerous ground where any miscalculation could ignite a full-scale war.

"We do not want a civil war or to respond to violence with further violence. Instead, we want the international community to shoulder its responsibility and join our pressure efforts to halt Hezbollah's funding and support for its weapons and practices that are holding Lebanon hostage," Gemayel said in an interview on Al-Mashhad news channel.

"The key to the solution lies in Iran, which must be pressured to stop destabilizing Lebanon,  funding an illegitimate militia, and using Lebanon as a platform to promote itself as the only state resisting Israel," he stressed. "Iran can resist Israel from its own territory, using its forces and army, without resorting to actions that jeopardize Lebanon and its people, as we are witnessing today."

Highlighting Hezbollah's announcement on October 8 of military operations supporting Gaza, Gemayel noted that this move has inflamed tensions along Lebanon's southern border. While Hezbollah claims control over the situation, Gemayel cautioned against underestimating the potential for escalation, warning that any misstep could trigger widespread conflict.

Gemayel squarely held Hezbollah accountable for extensive damage inflicted upon southern Lebanon, citing numerous casualties, extensive destruction of homes, and severe economic and tourism repercussions resulting from Hezbollah's unilateral decision to engage in military confrontation with Israel.

"We place full responsibility on Hezbollah for the current situation and the potentially dire consequences of further escalation," he asserted.

Gemayel underscored the role of national armies in defending borders and maintaining territorial integrity, principles enshrined in Lebanon's Constitution and upheld by international resolutions such as UNSC 1701 and 1559. When asked about the feasibility of deploying the Lebanese Army, Gemayel affirmed its capability but noted that political decisions are controlled by Hezbollah, which dominates the government.

"Hezbollah persists in holding Lebanon hostage, refusing to relinquish any part of Lebanon's sovereign decision-making authority," Gemayel lamented. "Lebanon remains under siege, with its people held captive by Hezbollah's policies, reinforced by Iran's influence in the region."

Gemayel outlined ongoing resistance against Hezbollah's obstructionist tactics, which have hindered the presidential elections and impeded sovereign decision-making processes. He called on the international community to acknowledge its responsibilities toward Lebanon, urging concerted pressure on Iran to loosen its grip and enable Lebanese citizens to reclaim their dignity and rebuild their economic, social, and educational foundations, restoring Lebanon as a pillar of stability in the Middle East.

Regarding efforts to break the presidential election deadlock, Gemayel acknowledged challenges posed by Hezbollah's reluctance to endorse a candidate amid the volatile situation in southern Lebanon.

"If a president were elected, he would serve as the primary negotiator, a role Hezbollah is determined to monopolize in upcoming talks, driven by its own interests and those of Iran," Gemayel remarked.

Gemayel reiterated his firm opposition to Hezbollah's push to install Marada chief Sleiman Frangieh as the sole presidential candidate, condemning Hezbollah's persistent disruption of democratic processes and its refusal to consider alternative candidates.