Kataeb Party leader Samy Gemayel has reaffirmed that Lebanon must restore its sovereignty and strengthen its State institutions, particularly its military, in order to navigate the ongoing crises gripping the country. Speaking out on the current political and security challenges, Gemayel stressed the urgent need to abide by the Lebanese Constitution, the Taif Agreement, and international resolutions, all of which emphasize the importance of "one sovereignty, one legitimacy, and one decision for the state."

In an interview on New TV, Gemayel stressed that Lebanon’s path forward lies in reclaiming the State’s authority over all aspects of governance, warning that the concept of unity with external actors has led to devastating consequences.

Hezbollah's Role in War and Political Deadlock

Gemayel outlined Hezbollah’s role in dragging Lebanon into conflicts that do not serve its interests, underscoring that the decision to engage in the current war, which has drawn widespread destruction to the country, was made outside the framework of the State, and that it is time to recognize the mistake.

"It is unnatural for a faction to unilaterally make decisions outside the State and drag Lebanon into a war it has no part in," Gemayel said.

He was unequivocal in his call for Hezbollah to cease its military activities, stating that the ongoing war makes it impossible to elect a new president or restore the country's governance.

"As long as Hezbollah continues the war, there will be no possibility of electing a president," Gemayel warned, adding that a genuine return to State control and the empowerment of the army is the only way to stop the destruction.

Return to the State and Entrusting the Army

For Gemayel, the solution to Lebanon's woes lies in the full enforcement of State sovereignty and the proper delegation of authority to the national military. He emphasized that allowing the Lebanese army to take control on the ground, while the State leads negotiations, is the only viable route to peace.

"Returning to the State and entrusting the army to maintain control is the entry point to stopping the disaster," he insisted.

Gemayel dismissed claims that relying on the national army is an act of surrender, arguing that it is the natural course of action for a functioning State.

“Allowing the State and army to lead is not an act of surrender but a necessary step to restore order and end destruction,” he stated.

The Role of Iran and International Diplomacy

Gemayel also highlighted the broader geopolitical forces influencing Lebanon's political paralysis, particularly pointing to Iran’s involvement. He stressed that while the Lebanese government has called for a ceasefire and adherence to UN resolutions, it is ultimately Iran that holds the key to stopping the conflict.

“Everyone knows that the decision to stop the war is not in the hands of the State but in the hands of Iran,” he remarked, pointing to Hezbollah’s alignment with Tehran’s military and strategic agenda.

The inability of Lebanon to control its own decision-making has also hampered diplomatic efforts to halt Israel’s attacks, Gemayel pointed out.

"The State and diplomacy cannot function effectively as long as the State does not control the decision-making process," he explained, criticizing Hezbollah for operating outside the authority of the Lebanese government.

Path to a Political Solution

Gemayel called on all Lebanese factions to engage in honest dialogue to find a new way forward, free from the influence of external powers.

"Let us stop the disaster, sit together, and have an honest dialogue. Let us build our country on new foundations that require that no one holds weapons outside the State's authority," he urged.

Gemayel also expressed hope that a president capable of leading the country through its challenges could soon be elected, but warned that this would only be possible if Hezbollah stepped back from its military engagements.

"We need a president who is up to the challenges of the current stage," Gemayel asserted, adding that the political impasse will continue unless Hezbollah agrees to hand control over military decisions to the state and allow the army to secure the country.

The Kataeb chief remains steadfast in his belief that Lebanon’s future depends on a unified State where all powers are centralized under the legitimate authority of the government.

"The only way to achieve a ceasefire is for the state to take charge, the army to secure the land, and the state to negotiate, otherwise, the destruction will not stop," he concluded.