Kataeb Party leader Samy Gemayel warned that Lebanon’s sovereignty is under direct threat from Hezbollah, which he described as operating under Iran’s control, and called on the government to take decisive action to prevent further escalation.

In an interview with Alhurra, Gemayel praised the Lebanese cabinet’s recent decision to ban Hezbollah’s military activities, calling it a “significant step” and emphasizing that the key lies in effective implementation.

“The key is in execution,” he said.

Gemayel proposed additional measures to reinforce the government’s decision, including declaring a state of emergency and deploying all military and security forces nationwide to protect Lebanon’s stability. He warned that Hezbollah has sought to drag the country into conflicts it cannot control while using Lebanese territory to serve Iran.

“The Iranian regime is exploiting its embassy in Lebanon for security purposes,” Gemayel said, recalling the 2024 pager attack in which the Iranian ambassador was wounded. “We are not dealing with a diplomatic mission but with the Revolutionary Guards, that play a central role in directing military operations in Lebanon. Iran has dragged our country toward destruction.”

He called for immediate severing of diplomatic ties with Tehran, expulsion of its ambassador and embassy staff, and a full restructuring of relations.

“I presented these proposals to the president and prime minister, hoping they would adopt this approach,” he said.

Gemayel stressed that action is required both internationally and domestically.

“We cannot allow two external powers to fight on our soil at the expense of our people. The State, entrusted with protecting Lebanon and its citizens, cannot remain passive. We must secure our territory and deter Israel through diplomacy, international engagement, and action on the ground. We cannot allow Hezbollah to drag Lebanon into war unchecked.”

Addressing the army’s role, Gemayel acknowledged the difficulty of confronting Hezbollah but stressed that some circumstances leave no room for hesitation.

“The alternative to taking necessary action is disaster. Faced with challenges, the State must choose the lesser of two evils,” he said.

He argued that while confronting Hezbollah internally is challenging, the greater threat lies in allowing Israel to destroy or occupy parts of Lebanon.

“The State must take responsibility and forcibly disarm Hezbollah,” he said, noting that while the government has acted responsibly within its limits, Hezbollah’s unilateral actions have now put Lebanon in serious danger.

Gemayel expressed concern that the conflict is still in its early stages.

“The Israeli army has already occupied 30 towns. I expect it will eventually sweep the entire southern region. Hezbollah has prevented the army from acting to avoid this incursion,” he said.

Hezbollah, he added, has refused to disarm, escalated tensions, and acted independently in attacks on Israel.

“Hezbollah is an integral part of Iran’s defensive organization, essentially a brigade within the Revolutionary Guards. It does not make its own decisions. Hezbollah is not a Lebanese party; it was created by the Guards to serve as Iran’s arm in Lebanon,” Gemayel said.

“Today, Hezbollah is carrying out the mission for which it was established: defending the Iranian regime at Lebanon’s expense,” he added, describing the group as unconstitutional and subordinate to an organization operating outside the Lebanese State.

Gemayel called for a unified Lebanese front, saying he had coordinated with various parties to establish a cohesive position.

“The critical issue is achieving consensus among all Lebanese, regardless of sect or political affiliation. This is not about Christians or Muslims; it’s about those who support Lebanon’s sovereignty and those who do not,” he said. “The Free Patriotic Movement is Hezbollah’s historical ally. We expect a clear and serious position from them.”

He noted that popular support for Hezbollah is waning.

“Three days ago, some in the Shiite community still supported Hezbollah. After the missile launches on Israel, that support has decreased. There will now be a broader Lebanese consensus rejecting this weapon and Hezbollah’s entanglement of Lebanon in internal and regional conflicts.”

Gemayel said that once conditions stabilize, parliamentary elections are necessary to restore representation for those opposed to militancy, weapons, and Iranian influence, allowing Lebanon’s political system to reopen along cross-sectarian alliances. He cautioned, however, that elections cannot take place during wartime and that the decision ultimately rests with parliament.

Finally, addressing the position of Amal Movement ministers, Gemayel said Speaker Nabih Berri can no longer remain in a “gray zone” and must take a clear stance.