Kataeb Leader Samy Gemayel held a press conference in Bikfaya, addressing the issue of vacancy in the army's leadership.

Gemayel emphasized that the army is fundamental in preserving Lebanon, its unity, stability, saying that "under these circumstances, there is no room for appointing a new commander, as this falls within the prerogatives of the President of the Republic."

"In the absence of the president, appointing a new army commander is not permissible, and there is no alternative but to postpone his dismissal. The matter is principled, unrelated to individuals, but rather in the interest of Lebanon, the powers of the President, and the continuity of the public institution," he noted.

Gemayel affirmed that postponing the dismissal of the army commander is the only available option, affirming that any other options are unconstitutional and an evasion of responsibility.

He pointed out that the competent authority for postponing the dismissal is the Cabinet through the Minister of Defense.

"If he hesitates, the Cabinet can undertake this task on his behalf," he explained.

"The swiftest and constitutional way to resolve the issue of army leadership is through the Cabinet, a path we adopted from day one. Based on this choice, we heard yesterday that there is an invitation for a Cabinet meeting on Friday, and we hope that an extension will be granted to the Cabinet so that matters proceed on the right track and within constitutional frameworks," Gemayel went on saying.

"If the extension is not granted on Friday morning within the Cabinet, we will face a serious option, namely the vacuum in army leadership. At that point, all possibilities will be open to us to preserve this institution. As long as Prime Minister Najib Mikati is committed to convening the Cabinet, we will allow room for discussion, and accordingly, all options will be open in the event of a destructive choice whose goal is a coup. Our options will then be open," he emphasized.

Responding to a question, Gemayel revealed that the subsequent steps will be decided within the Kataeb Party and the opposition.

"The issue is not about breaking Baabda (the presidential palace) but breaking the state. We, as Kataeb Party, consider this a constant principle shared with all opposition forces, Baabda, and all national references keen on the country. Everyone agrees that leaving the military institution in a state of vacuum and appointing an alternative in the absence of the president is not permissible," he stressed.

He concluded by saying: "We will give a chance to the ministerial session, and based on its results, we will act accordingly."