Kataeb Party leader Samy Gemayel voiced strong backing for Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and the government’s push to reassert State authority, while firmly rejecting any negotiations conducted on Lebanon’s behalf outside official institutions.

Speaking after a meeting with the premier at the Grand Serail alongside Kataeb MPs Salim Sayegh, Elias Hankach, and Nadim Gemayel, Gemayel praised Salam’s leadership at what he described as a critical juncture.

“We fully support the prime minister and commend the resolve he’s shown at a very difficult time,” Gemayel said. “We stand with State institutions so Lebanon can take back control of its decisions, shape its own future, and restore a sense of hope to its people.”

He reaffirmed the party’s support for the government’s decision to restrict weapons in Beirut, calling it a necessary step to protect civilians and restore order.

More broadly, Gemayel stressed that only the Lebanese State has the authority to represent the country in any negotiations.

“No one has the right to negotiate on Lebanon’s behalf,” he said. “Any talks that take place outside the framework of the state simply do not concern us.”

Gemayel also drew a firm line against any external role in negotiations, singling out Iran.

“Iran contributed to where Lebanon is today, and is not entitled to speak for us, whether in Islamabad or anywhere else,” he said, while voicing support for a lasting ceasefire between Tehran and Washington.

He added that any diplomatic process that excludes the Lebanese State would be irrelevant, pointing to anticipated talks in Washington next week as a key moment.

“What matters now is what happens in Washington,” he said. “The Lebanese State alone represents the country, and we reject any attempt to put Iran’s interests ahead of Lebanon’s.”

On the ground, Gemayel called for immediate and tangible steps to reinforce State authority, urging the deployment of the Lebanese army and security forces across neighborhoods.

“We’ve heard enough statements. What we need now is action,” he said. “This is urgent. The longer the State is absent, the more fear and instability take hold.”

He emphasized that a visible state presence—particularly that of the army—is essential to reassuring citizens, preventing security breaches, and restoring stability. He also expressed hope that efforts to demilitarize Beirut would be extended to other areas in need of similar measures.

“We will not allow anything to happen at the expense of the Lebanese people,” he added, stressing that Lebanon’s national interest must come first and rejecting any attempt to turn the country into a platform for external agendas.

Gemayel also extended condolences to the people of Beirut following what he described as a “massacre” that shook the nation due to recent Israeli strikes, calling it a wake-up call for authorities to act swiftly to halt the violence and prevent further escalation.

He urged President Joseph Aoun and Salam to resist pressure from parties he accused of dragging Lebanon into the current crisis, and to steer the country toward stability.

“We need to close the chapter of wars and open a new chapter; one defined by stability, prosperity, and hope,” he said.

Gemayel concluded by arguing that the current moment marks a shift from the past, citing what he described as broad public support for negotiations.

“More than 80% of Lebanese, across all communities, support this path, and the international community does as well,” he said. “No group should be able to hold the country back. We stand with the State as it works to lead Lebanon out of this crisis and bring an end to the conflict away from bloodshed, destruction, and grief.”