Kataeb Party leader Samy Gemayel paid tribute on Sunday to a French peacekeeper killed in southern Lebanon, condemning what he described as a broader pattern of violence linked to armed groups operating outside State control.

In a post on X, Gemayel honored French Staff Sergeant Florian Montorio of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), who was killed a day earlier, and expressed support for three other soldiers who were seriously wounded.

“Our thoughts also go out to the three soldiers who were seriously wounded. They were serving peace and were struck by cowardice,” he wrote.

Gemayel also addressed France directly, describing it as “a steadfast friend of Lebanon,” expressing his full solidarity.

He went on to suggest that responsibility for the attack was clear, saying: “There is no need for an investigation: the signature of those who have hijacked the State and are dragging our country into wars that are not its own is clear.”

The Kataeb leader reiterated his party’s longstanding position on the role of non-State armed groups in Lebanon, arguing that disarmament is essential to restoring stability.

“The disarmament of Hezbollah is a necessary condition to end this cycle of violence and the hostage-taking of an entire nation,” he said.