Kataeb Party leader Samy Gemayel said Monday that parliamentary elections could not be held under Lebanon’s current conditions and had to be postponed. He added that a one-year extension would have been preferable, which is why the Kataeb bloc opposed a two-year extension.

Speaking at a press conference in Parliament following the vote to extend the legislative term by two years, Gemayel called on the government to submit a proposal to shorten the current term and hold elections as soon as conditions allow.

“We had hoped for consensus on a one-year extension, but that did not happen, and we therefore voted against the two-year extension,” Gemayel said.

He urged lawmakers to convene immediately to address the ongoing war in Lebanon.

“Today, we have half a million displaced people. Our country is being bombed, Lebanese territory is under occupation, and areas are falling under Israeli control while people die daily. The priority now is to address the war and for the Lebanese Army, the government, and the president to take all necessary measures to immediately rein in and disarm Hezbollah,” he said.

Gemayel said the current crises stem from the ongoing conflict and the failure to centralize decisions over peace and war in the hands of the State.

“Iran’s influence over Lebanon has dragged us into an open war in which Lebanon is once again being sacrificed to deflect the conflict. Weapons must be brought under State control as quickly as possible. The State must take decisive action, and the army must carry out its full responsibilities,” he said.

The lawmaker emphasized that Lebanon must prioritize its future over political maneuvering.

“Now is the time to think about Lebanon, the future of our children, and the building of our country. We must use the State’s capabilities effectively, ensure this chapter is the last negative one in Lebanon’s history, and move toward prosperity, stability, and the creation of a modern State. This requires Parliament and the State to take responsibility, while the army must disarm Hezbollah as quickly as possible,” he said.

Responding to questions about the army’s capabilities, Gemayel said the Kataeb Party has repeatedly proposed decisive measures to both the government and the president over the past six months.

“We support targeted operations to begin dismantling Hezbollah’s security and military infrastructure so the State can reclaim its negotiating role and save Lebanon from disaster. Leaving things as they are means leaving our fate in Hezbollah’s hands, which are tied to Iran. As long as the war against Iran continues, Hezbollah will continue its conflict from Lebanon. Israel has seized additional positions in support of its operations, and it is time to end this cycle. Hezbollah brings only destruction to Lebanon, and the State must assume its responsibilities,” he said.

Addressing concerns about a potential Syrian attack, Gemayel dismissed any immediate threat following his phone talks with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa.

“President al-Sharaa was clear: security measures taken by Syria along the Lebanese border are aimed at protecting Syrian territory, with no intention of military action in Lebanon. The real problem is Hezbollah’s presence along the border, which has alarmed the Syrians. We, as Lebanon’s legitimate authority, must take a firm position and refuse to let anyone control our fate. No one fights for us, and no one negotiates for us. This is the Kataeb Party’s position, and we will continue to work and fight for it in the coming days,” he said.