The head of the Kataeb's Intellectual Department, Rafic Ghanem, expressed concern over Lebanon's identity, saying it is under threat due to Hezbollah’s hegemony.

In the past, this identity was endangered by the Palestinians and later by the Syrians. Today, Hezbollah’s allegiance to Iran and full commitment to Tehran’s regional agenda substantially threatens Lebanon’s identity,” Ghanem said in an interview on Voice of Lebanon radio station.

Ghanem emphasized that the notion of resistance differs greatly from the notion of armed control, noting that linking the concept of resistance to the control of arms over the entirety of Lebanon and its State institutions is utterly unacceptable.

“We are not afraid of the Shia; we are all citizens of one state. When we are called upon to resist the Israeli, we will answer the call. The Kataeb Party resisted in the past, but the aim of that resistance was never to control others through arms."

He also emphasized that the decision of peace and war cannot be in the hands of Hezbollah alone, nor does it have the right to control the State’s decisions and undermine the role of the Lebanese army.

Ghanem said that direct dialogue with Hezbollah about its arms at this stage will yield no results, stressing the need for an in-depth intellectual dialogue between all Lebanese factions.

"We need a serious and profound dialogue among all Lebanese from all religions and sects. Only then will we be able to face any regional settlement that may be imposed on Lebanon and the Lebanese."

Ghanem highlighted that the Kataeb Party is one of Lebanon's oldest and most prestigious parties, affirming that it remains steadfast in its principles and beliefs as it continues to strive for a Lebanese nation that embraces all its citizens. This belief, he said, fosters openness to others.