Kataeb leader Samy Gemayel emphasized that the Kataeb is where it needs to be, committed to Lebanon's wellbeing, working with the international community to save Lebanon, end the cycle of war and destruction, and open a new, bright chapter free from the mistakes of the past.

In an interview with "An-Nahar", Gemayel called for a new page that offers hope and prosperity, a functioning state with full sovereignty, where all Lebanese actively participate in rebuilding the country.

He highlighted that this disaster should motivate everyone to realize that only a strong, free, and independent state, built on genuine partnership, can create a better future for all Lebanese together.

Gemayel stated, "There are no promises; everyone is searching for solutions, and in every meeting, our focus is on a clear equation: to stop the war and destruction so that Lebanese citizens can return to their villages, rebuild their homes, and let the end of war mark the beginning of a sovereign state with exclusive authority vested in the Lebanese army. No armed groups should remain under any pretext, ensuring real equality and enabling us to build a state that meets our aspirations."

Regarding his meetings abroad, he explained that there are numerous ideas aimed at reaching a satisfactory outcome for all Lebanese. "Our meetings are held with officials in France, and then I will visit Washington. All discussions are centered on helping the international community find realistic solutions. The priority is to save Lebanon; there is no time for grandstanding or displays—only for action, thought, and practical solutions to stop the massacre, ensure the displaced return to their homes, and build a state founded on principles different from those that led us here."

When asked about Hezbollah's disarmament, Gemayel affirmed, "It is impossible to build a state in the presence of militias. Lebanese citizens must choose either the state or the militias, especially given that the militias' affiliations and agendas are foreign. Any solution must inevitably involve handing over all weapons to the Lebanese state; there is no alternative or justification for the presence of any arms."

He added, "Some justify the presence of arms under various pretexts, calling them sacred, but Iran has been violating Lebanon's sovereignty through Hezbollah for over 30 years. This occupation must end. There is no need to explain why the constitution, state sovereignty, and the exclusive authority of the army must be enforced; this is not up for debate."

Gemayel urged, "All excuses fall short in the face of the constitution. Lebanon cannot be built as long as weapons exist outside the state's control. Everyone, especially within the Shiite community, should understand that these arms neither serve nor protect them but instead entrap and devastate them, turning them into fuel for Iran's ambitions. Only the army, institutions, and the state, supported by the Lebanese people, can ensure protection, as they have already done by sheltering the displaced. Weapons do not protect or confer privileges—they only destroy. We must learn from this experience and move forward with a new one."

The Kataeb leader stressed that "I have long called for the exclusive control of arms by the Lebanese army, a stance that has been the Kataeb's conviction for 90 years. We have always stated that Lebanon cannot be built with militias. This stance is unrelated to current events with Israel."

He added that those who seek justice, equality, and constitutional adherence are committed to their country, whereas those advocating for an armed, foreign-backed system betray Lebanon and have embroiled it in this calamity. They should show humility toward the suffering of the displaced and the martyrs. Instead, they should be ready to discuss ways to protect Lebanon, as the current approach has not protected but destroyed the country."

On whether he relies on the new American administration, Gemayel clarified, "We have never relied on anyone. We engage based on clear principles: Lebanon is sovereign, free, independent, and protected from any aggression by Israel, Syria, or internal threats. It’s based on partnership, without excluding anyone, and the Shiite community should not bear the political cost of Hezbollah’s actions, as it has been a hostage to this group (Hezbollah) for 40 years."

He emphasized, "We must avoid revengeful or exclusionary approaches and instead aim for inclusivity. We believe that Hezbollah is manipulated by external forces. If the Lebanese mindset were in control, the war would have ended, and Lebanon would have been safeguarded, but Iran's agenda dictates the direction in southern Lebanon, blocking any solution."

Gemayel believed that solutions were clear but required Lebanese forces to empower the state to negotiate. "Prime Minister Najib Mikati has taken a stance to stop the war, but he cannot implement it."

"We will understand the Trump administration's approach to Lebanon in time," he added, noting Trump's unpredictability. "But we must act in our country’s interest, preventing any settlement at Lebanon's expense, as we are the weakest link. We will work to ensure Lebanon has representation in negotiations."

He said, "I have no conviction to elect a president amidst war; Hezbollah will not surrender a key card in a moment when its fate is at stake, or it risks weakening its negotiating position."

Gemayel pointed out that Hezbollah and House Speaker Nabih Berri are blocking the presidential elections. "Berri cannot act independently of Hezbollah’s will."

He explained that Lebanon is currently host to a war between Israel and Iran on Lebanese soil. "Lebanon is held hostage by Hezbollah, an armed militia. It’s engaged in a difficult battle that strains its capabilities, yet its disruptive power remains. The opposition’s hands are tied as two armed forces are engaged in intense conflict, with Lebanon as the battlefield. Our role will emerge post-war, to rebuild Lebanon. For now, all we can do is provide ideas to those with the influence to affect Israel and Iran."

Gemayel lamented, "The greatest tragedy is that Lebanon has been surrendered to Iran through Hezbollah. The Kataeb warned against this and opposed any settlement with Hezbollah, especially the 2016 presidential settlement and the election of its candidate. We knew this would bolster Iran's influence, making Lebanon a hostage, a cost we now pay."

He added, "Lebanon is under Hezbollah’s armed control, and we reject civil war. Therefore, pressure on Iran and Israel, with the support of all influential countries, is essential to halt the violence and apply international and constitutional resolutions to rebuild the state. That is where our role lies, and we will not shy away from it."

He noted, "With a million and a half refugees mixed into various communities and with an abundance of weapons, it doesn’t take an analyst to fear major catastrophes. I am keen on ending the war as soon as possible, but not at any cost."

In response to a question, Gemayel said, "I do not fear civil war, but prolonging the crisis could lead to dangerous incidents, escalating in directions we should avoid. We are doing everything possible to support the displaced, but we are dealing with malevolent forces and dangerous security rooms capable of igniting internal unrest. Therefore, we must proceed with caution and responsibility."

He added, "There is no time for posturing but rather courage in acting with great wisdom, as the Kataeb has done, attempting to prevent any trouble in the country. We are not a passing party but one with great responsibility, and we must act wisely to protect Lebanon and prevent bloodshed, stopping the destructive war waged by Israel."

The Kataeb Leader stressed his complete trust in the Lebanese army, saying, "We are in daily contact, entrusting them with all incidents. The army's leadership and intelligence are responsive, which is crucial at this time, as a strong, united army is essential."

On supporting the army commander’s extension, he explained, "We support electing a president, but if that’s not possible, should we leave the army without leadership? The commander is doing an outstanding job, and we have great confidence in him. When a president is elected, a new army leader should be appointed, but with everything stalled, the worst would be an army leadership void."

Gemayel elaborated, "The issue goes beyond the presidency; it involves reclaiming sovereignty, establishing a new governance model, and preparing the Lebanese to turn a new page. These goals are larger than the presidency, as no president can single-handedly resolve every issue, and Hezbollah won’t agree to elect a president under fire. This is my conviction, and we must think deeply."

"Any roadmap to escape this catastrophe requires agreement from Israel and Iran. Israel seeks long-term security from Lebanon and is conducting systematic destruction in the south at an unprecedented scale. Iran, meanwhile, is not willing to relinquish its armed extension in Lebanon, which it views as its defense mechanism if pressured. This is the catastrophe from which we can only escape by pressuring Iran, as it has no right to embroil Lebanon at the cost of its security."

He continued, "We are unwilling to endure destruction so Iran can retain its assets. I cannot understand how Hezbollah’s youth accept this; it’s Iran’s strategy, with Hezbollah paying the price. Iran vowed to defend by opening fronts, so where is it now? Did the resistance’s rocket fire harm anything but 'chickens and cows'?"

"The Lebanon of our dreams is built on a practical and clear constitution, a decentralized Lebanon with regional autonomy where each area develops itself and decides what is best for it. It is a neutral Lebanon that stays out of regional conflicts, with a liberal free-market economy that ensures social protection, including social security and elderly care. We aim to strengthen public schools and the Lebanese University. This is the Lebanon we lost when we decided to turn our country into a missile platform. It is time to end that and restore Lebanon to what it once was—a country that can be among the richest in the world. The only thing stopping us is reclaiming our decision-making power and bringing our youth back to the country," Gemayel concluded.