Kataeb Leader Samy Gemayel extended his condolences to all those affected by the ongoing events in Gaza, considering the scenes to be harsh.

 “What we are witnessing represents a fundamental change in the region,” Gemayel said in an interview with LBCI.

The Kataeb Leader considered that protecting Lebanon comes through the strict enforcement of sovereignty and the state assuming its responsibilities.

He pointed out that no one should give Israel any reason to carry out an attack in Lebanon like the case in Gaza, saying the decision is a sovereign matter that should not be monopolized by anyone, leading the country to a war unwanted by the Lebanese.

According to Gemayel, over 90% of the Lebanese sympathize with the people of Gaza, and 80% reject getting involved in a war.

The Kataeb Leader stressed that there is a complete absence of the Parliament and the Ministers.

“In the past two weeks, it has become clear to what extent Lebanon is held hostage by Hezbollah that controls the country,” he stressed.

 “Hezbollah is aligning the southern front with Hamas, the Syrian regime, the Houthis, and the Popular Mobilization Forces, thereby undermining the sovereignty and interests of the state for the benefit of other agendas,” he indicated.

“The problem is that Hezbollah intended to incorporate its military strength into a regional strategy unrelated to Lebanon,” he said.

He indicated that the rules of engagement have been agreed upon between Hezbollah and Israel.

“Hezbollah has an agreement with Israel not to cross certain boundaries while protecting Lebanon's sovereignty,” he noted.

“5 million Lebanese are hostage to an armed militia. For 20 years, we have been calling for the restoration of Lebanon's sovereignty and rejecting illegal weapons which violate the constitution, the law, and the establishment of the state and jeopardize Lebanon and create inequality,” he noted.

“All of Hezbollah's warehouses and weapons violate UN Resolution 1701,” he affirmed.

He pointed out that Hezbollah’s problem is Lebanese not just a Christian one, saying that all Lebanese suffer from it, for example, the people of Tripoli share the same feelings as Christians regarding Hezbollah’s actions.

Gemayel emphasized that Hezbollah’s problem surpasses sects, noting that even non-affiliated Shia experience significant suffering.

He shed light on a new concept he learned from Free Patriotic Movement Leader Gebran Bassil, and Hezbollah regarding how states entrust armed militias with defense power that lead the country wherever they want. 

He clarified that Bassil did not request a specific appointment but was interested in a general opposition meeting, saying that the decision was collective.

He stressed the importance of not focusing the weapons and resistance in the hands of Hezbollah alone, thus better managing the country.

He confirmed that the Kataeb Party's parliamentary bloc would not accept the presence of military bases in all areas of Lebanon and completely opposed being held hostage and used as human shields, saying that this is rejected and unacceptable.

Gemayel also wished that Hezbollah’s Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah, would prioritize Lebanon's interests above all else, urging him not to involve Lebanon in a war.

“If any violation occurs against Lebanon, Israel should bear the responsibility,” he stated.

He noted that the sympathy of some Lebanese towards Hezbollah only comes from its supporters, as elections have shown that the majority of Christian forces reject Hezbollah's dominance.

"Violence and war only lead to disasters, oppression, destruction, and division. But for us, the Shia are our people, and we cannot wish harm to any other Lebanese. This is a settled matter,” Gemayel stated.

“If Israel attacks Lebanon, we will all confront it, not just Hezbollah. We must understand that we should not provide any excuse for war because we are witnessing what is happening in the region,” he pointed out.

“Defamation and death threats are tools used to manipulate a specific audience and can lead to dangerous consequences,” he warned.

"Those involved in public affairs must be responsible unless we consider that killing is part of political action. The situation is dangerous. The circumstances are exceptional and Lebanon is on the brink of a war where thousands could lose their lives,” he added.

“What we hope for, after Hezbollah sees what is happening in Gaza, is for it to humble and place itself at the same level as other Lebanese. Let's work together to unify the country on the basis of equality,” Gemayel said.

"I am a staunch advocate of Lebanese identity, and I prioritize the interests of the Lebanese above all else. We sympathize with all the oppressed people around the world, including the Syrian people, but I refuse to endanger the Lebanese because they have endured enough wars, destruction, and crises,” Gemayel affirmed.

"We are facing the danger of vacuum in the army’s leadership. It is the government's responsibility to prevent this vacuum. The Minister of Defense has the right to postpone the dismissal of the army commander as he sees fit,” he explained.

“I categorically deny that the Kataeb Party decided to attend the legislative session to extend the army commander's term because the parliament does not have legislative authority. There is no discretion here. It is the Prime Minister's responsibility to say that the Minister of Defense is neglecting his duties, and it is the Cabinet's right to fulfill its role,” he stated.

Regarding Nasrallah’s speech on Friday, Gemayel insisted not to drag Lebanon into war and not to give Israel any pretext, calling for the deployment of the Lebanese army and UNIFIL.

Gemayel emphasized the importance of preserving diplomatic documents and not providing any justifications for hostile acts or wars.

He stressed the need for the state's diplomatic moves to protect Lebanon and its rights, expressing his regret for the absence of the President at this critical time.

He noted that Iran does not want to expose Hezbollah to war, and it is not in the Hezbollah's interest to engage in one.

Regarding the government's emergency plan, Gemayel highlighted the importance of risk prevention and acting before disasters occur.

"We will not allow the election of Hezbollah’s presidential candidate,” Gemayel affirmed, saying that his party still supports Jihad Azour.

In the same context, he stated, "We have never said that the Army Commander Joseph Aoun is our candidate, and we have never considered our battle to be his."