Kataeb Party leader Samy Gemayel announced Monday that he has submitted a constitutional amendment seeking to enshrine the principle of neutrality in the preamble of Lebanon’s Constitution; a step he said is crucial to preserving the country’s stability and keeping it out of regional conflicts.

Speaking at a press conference at the Lebanese Parliament, alongside several lawmakers who co-signed the proposal, Gemayel said the initiative follows “decades of debate” and reflects “a deep desire among many Lebanese to live in safety and peace.”

“After decades of discussion, and with so many Lebanese yearning to live in peace, the time has come to fulfill a long-standing demand to keep Lebanon neutral in the region’s conflicts,” Gemayel said. “This is about preserving our stability and sparing the country from paying the price of others’ wars, as has so often been the case in our modern history.”

Under the proposal, the Constitution’s preamble would be amended to include the following clause: “Lebanon is a neutral state committed to the principle of neutrality in all regional and international conflicts, without this contradicting its legitimate right to defend its sovereignty and territory, or its obligations under international legitimacy and international humanitarian law.”

Gemayel said the move is aimed at giving Lebanon’s political institutions the “necessary tools” to protect national sovereignty and stability at a time of mounting internal and regional pressures.

“Having waited for the right moment to take this step, and as we open a new chapter in Lebanon’s political life, it has become necessary to equip both the legislative and executive branches with all the tools needed to protect Lebanon and ensure its stability,” he said.

The Kataeb chief emphasized that neutrality would become a binding principle for all Lebanese citizens, while making clear it would not weaken the country’s defensive capabilities.

“Neutrality doesn’t mean giving up our right to defend our country,” Gemayel explained. “On the contrary, every neutral state, like Switzerland, maintains a strong, well-equipped, and fortified defensive army to protect itself.”

He argued that adopting neutrality would help bolster national unity by preventing any political faction from pulling Lebanon into foreign alliances or regional confrontations.

“Neutrality will strengthen internal unity,” he said. “No party will be able to align with outside powers or impose military alliances on other Lebanese. This will help preserve civil peace and national cohesion.”

Gemayel also made clear that neutrality does not mean Lebanon will retreat from the international stage.

“Neutrality doesn’t mean Lebanon’s withdrawal from world affairs,” he said. “On the contrary, Lebanon will remain an active member of the United Nations and the Arab League, continuing to stand up for just causes and opposing injustice,  without taking sides in future military conflicts.”

Describing the initiative as a national project rather than a partisan one, Gemayel said the proposal serves the interests of all Lebanese.

“Neutrality benefits every Lebanese,” he said. “It’s not a sectarian idea or one aimed at any single group; it’s a comprehensive national project that protects everyone and ensures stability and prosperity.”

Concluding his remarks, Gemayel thanked the ten MPs who co-signed the proposal and urged all political leaders to back the amendment.

“I call on my colleagues in Parliament, as well as the President, the Prime Minister, and all parliamentary blocs, to support and adopt this proposal to help ensure its passage,” he said.

He praised the lawmakers’ cooperation, describing the initiative as a “historic opportunity” to chart a new course for Lebanon.

“By enshrining neutrality in our Constitution, we give Lebanon a chance to protect itself from the recurring crises of the past and to build a more secure and prosperous future,” Gemayel concluded.