Gemayel, U.N. Envoy Discuss Lebanon-Israel Talks and Post-UNIFIL Scenarios

Lebanese Kataeb leader Samy Gemayel met the newly appointed U.N. Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jean Arnault at the party's headquarters in Beirut's Saifi district, where the two discussed the latest political and regional developments, including the ongoing U.S.-mediated negotiations between Lebanon and Israel.

The meeting focused on key issues facing Lebanon, particularly the negotiations aimed at implementing the U.S.-brokered framework agreement between Beirut and Israel. The participants discussed the national principles that should guide Lebanon's approach to the talks in a way that safeguards the country's sovereignty and preserves its rights.

They also reviewed President Joseph Aoun's recent visit to Washington and its initial outcomes, highlighting what they described as an opportunity to strengthen international support for Lebanon and reinforce the priorities of the Lebanese state.

The discussions further addressed possible scenarios for the period following the eventual end of the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), as well as the challenges that could arise from such a transition.

Both sides stressed the importance of maintaining stability in southern Lebanon, preserving continued international support, and ensuring the sustained deployment of the Lebanese Army.

During the meeting, Gemayel reaffirmed his support for Lebanon's legitimate State institutions, represented by President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam.

He emphasized the importance of implementing government decisions, strengthening state institutions, and ensuring that the authority to decide matters of war and peace remains exclusively in the hands of the Lebanese state.

The meeting was attended by Muriel Rodriguez, head of the UN mission's Political Department; MP Salim Sayegh; Kataeb Vice President Bernard Gerbaka; Political Bureau member Alain Hakim; and Head of Kataeb's Foreign Affairs Department Marwan Abdallah.