Lebanese Kataeb Party leader Samy Gemayel emphasized the urgent need for a broad national opposition front in Lebanon, warning that any sectarian rhetoric plays into Hezbollah’s hands and only serves to bolster its grip on the country.

In an interview with Al-Modon website, Gemayel expressed deep concern over the current "unsettling and unhealthy" situation in Lebanon, highlighting the international community’s preoccupation with other issues as a significant detriment to the country.

He insisted that the opposition must steadfastly support the presidential candidacy of former Minister Jihad Azour, affirming that the Kataeb party will not elect Sleiman Frangieh under any circumstances.

Gemayel highlighted a systematic intimidation campaign against anyone who opposes Hezbollah, reiterating that Lebanon and its citizens are held hostage by the group.

Addressing the role of the opposition, he argued that Hezbollah's propaganda inflates the opposition's shortcomings to obscure its achievements, pointing out that the opposition successfully prevented Hezbollah from imposing a president, waged an electoral battle with Jihad Azour, and disrupted the March 8 Alliance, leading Speaker Nabih Berri to close the parliament.

"What more is expected of us? How can we confront a militia? Should we bear arms like them? Should we drag the country into a civil war?" Gemayel asked, adding that the opposition’s resilience is a significant achievement given the current balance of power.

Gemayel depicted Lebanon as an occupied country, asserting that its people will continue to resist Hezbollah's dominance and reject its dictates, likening Hezbollah's control to an occupation supported by Iran.

He emphasized that while Hezbollah is part of Lebanon's fabric, it is essential to reclaim Lebanon’s decision-making power from the group and Iran's influence.

He also criticized Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri's alignment with Hezbollah, expressing regret that the Amal Movement continues to cover for Hezbollah's actions.

Gemayel stressed the need for opposition forces to maintain Jihad Azour's candidacy unless a broader consensus can be reached on another candidate.

Abandoning Azour, he argued, would only splinter the opposition's votes and benefit Hezbollah.

Reiterating the importance of electing a president as a fundamental step toward restoring the state and normalizing the functioning of its institutions, Gemayel deplored the current stalemate gripping Lebanon. He described a country without a president, where Hezbollah controls the government, the parliament is paralyzed, and conflict persists in the south.

Regarding the anticipated visit of Caretaker Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib to Syria, Gemayel suggested that the latter should resign instead of becoming Hezbollah's spokesperson domestically and internationally.

He also expressed hope that the Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) would return to its foundational principles from 1990 to 2005, which he fully supports. Extending an invitation for reconciliation with the Kataeb, Gemayel, despite his doubts about the FPM's return to its original values after a long partnership with Hezbollah, stressed the importance of unity against sectarianism for the greater good of Lebanon.