Kataeb Party leader Samy Gemayel on Monday praised the Lebanese Cabinet’s decision to ban Hezbollah’s military activities and declare the group operating outside the law, calling it a “historic step in the right direction.” He urged the government to follow through with swift measures, including declaring a state of emergency and severing ties with Iran.

In a post on X, Gemayel said the Cabinet’s move, made “with the active participation of the Minister of Justice,” to prohibit Hezbollah’s armed activities and place all weapons under state control represented a turning point for Lebanon.

But he stressed that additional steps were needed to reinforce the decision.

Gemayel called for the immediate declaration of a state of emergency and the deployment of all military and security forces across the country to safeguard stability and prevent any faction from dragging Lebanon into a confrontation outside state authority.

He also urged the government to cut diplomatic ties with Iran, expel its ambassador, and curb what he described as its “suspicious mission,” arguing that such measures would affirm Lebanon’s sovereignty and prevent the country from being used as a platform for external agendas.

In addition, Gemayel called for the closure of Hezbollah’s so-called illegal economic and financial institutions.