Gemayel Warns Against Any Settlement That Ignores People’s Interests, State Sovereignty

Commenting on the proposed ceasefire, Kataeb Party Leader MP Samy Gemayel told Sky News Arabia, “The information reaching us indicates that matters have once again complicated and are likely to extend beyond the U.S. presidential elections.”

He noted the concerning absence of the Lebanese people from the negotiating table, with only Iran and Israel as the main negotiators, while Lebanon—suffering severe destruction—has no representation in these talks.

Gemayel warned that while both Israel and Hezbollah may see their interests fulfilled, the Lebanese people may be left out.

He clarified that the Lebanese government lacks control over its territory, and despite Prime Minister Najib Mikati’s strong statements, he has no leverage over Hezbollah.

"Mikati cannot commit to anything; he is merely a mediator between the international community and Hezbollah, without any power to impose on Hezbollah," he added.

The Kataeb Leader emphasized that any settlement or agreement that disregards the interests of the Lebanese people, the State's sovereignty, and the restoration of exclusive control over arms by the Lebanese Army is unacceptable.

"From day one, we have insisted that negotiations must include three parties: Hezbollah, Israel, and the Lebanese people—currently voiceless due to the parliament's paralysis by Hezbollah," he stated.

He stressed that the top priority is to end the war, achieve a ceasefire, secure Israel's withdrawal from Lebanese land, and restore Lebanon's sovereignty over its territories.

According to Gemayel, Hezbollah owes apologies to the Lebanese, to families who lost homes and loved ones, to the party itself, and even to its supporters, before making any further claims.

“It must stop the arrogance it projects in the streets,” he pointed out.

Gemayel indicated, "To Hezbollah, weapons may be sacred, but we say it’s unacceptable for any group to claim rights unavailable to others. A private arsenal that is considered untouchable by one party is incompatible with international resolutions and violates the Lebanese Constitution, which prohibits unauthorized arms."

He continued, "If Hezbollah claims its weapons are sacred, we cannot accept this baseless logic, neither in terms of constitutional grounds nor reason. These weapons have been turned against the Lebanese and are responsible for the deaths of countless citizens. We remain committed to sovereignty and will defend ourselves, the opposition, and any figure who freely expresses their opinion without facing weapons aimed at them."

Responding to remarks made by Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem, Gemayel remarked, “They invent new terminologies, like 'support front.’  I have delved into history and never heard of a war purely to distract the enemy, especially at such a high cost. Now they’re talking about a new concept—'defensive attack.' Soon, we’ll need a detailed explanation from Hezbollah's leadership. What we do see, however, is Lebanon destroyed, Gaza bombarded, and no real support provided. All they’ve done is inflict devastation on Lebanon and kill countless Lebanese for no gain.”

Gemayel urged humility, an end to hollow slogans, and a return to reality to find ways to rescue a devastated country, so the refugees currently living in schools and streets can return home.

On U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein’s return to the United States, he commented, “I’m not a political analyst, but clearly, there’s been no breakthrough; otherwise, he would have visited Lebanon to conclude the negotiations. It seems there will be no resolution until after the U.S. presidential elections.”

On the refugee crisis and associated tensions, he said, “The Lebanese Army fully handles this issue; the responsibility lies solely with them. We reject self-imposed security or entering the game of private weapons. I call on the Army to fully assume its duties.”

He added, “Numerous parliamentary blocs have urged the Army to prevent any arms, whether in shelters or beyond. It’s unacceptable for any weapons to be present in safe areas.”

Gemayel recalled that for two years, his party has been appealing to House Speaker Nabih Berri to convene a session to elect a president and to discuss the ongoing conflict, but without success. “The parliament's closure is not of our choosing; this situation defies our will.”

Regarding the National Front, he stated, “We have never stayed silent and will not remain quiet as Lebanon is driven into the abyss. From day one, we insisted that the battle must cease. We’re aligned with our opposition partners and coordinate with them, taking a unified stance. We stand firm, but we need international support.”

He reiterated, “No one should accept a settlement at Lebanon’s expense, as sovereignty is the only path to regional stability. For Lebanon to play its role again, it must regain complete control over its land. We need the support of the international and Arab communities, and no one should accept compromises that undermine Lebanon.”

The Kataeb leader hoped that Hezbollah would transform into a political party with parliamentary representation and a popular base, without resorting to arms.

Gemayel concluded by saying that Lebanon’s protection lies in deploying the national army across its territories.

“Hezbollah cannot rival a State with a military budget worth hundreds of millions, advanced aircraft, warships, and cutting-edge technology,” he added. “What truly safeguards Lebanon is the Lebanese Army’s rifle, not Hezbollah’s missile stockpile. History shows that from 1948 to 1967, Israel never violated our borders because of the State’s presence in the south. If we aim to secure Lebanon, we must revert to this principle.”