Kataeb Political Bureau member and Former Minister Alain Hakim described Lebanon’s situation as catastrophic, warning that the nation stands on the brink of an existential crisis.

"The conversation today is about whether Lebanon as a state and society can even survive," Hakim said in an interview on Radio Orient.

"The situation has grown untenable with the intensified population density resulting from the mass internal displacement crisis, adding to the strain from the Syrian refugee influx," he added.

Hakim warned that the economic downturn will force many businesses to shut down, leading to mass layoffs. He noted that the education sector is also in deep crisis, with up to 65% of schools either closed, inactive, or used to house displaced individuals.

“Monthly economic output, previously ranging between $55 million and $65 million, has plummeted, and the education sector alone has suffered annual losses of approximately $700 million,” Hakim explained, deploring the dramatic rise in poverty, which now affects nearly three million Lebanese, doubling from previous figures of 1.7 to 1.8 million. 

“Eighty percent of people in affected areas now live below the poverty line, and sectors like trade and agriculture have been devastated,” he stated, estimating total losses to the economy between $15 billion and $18 billion, including direct and indirect impacts.

“The daily situation is disastrous,” he said, attributing much of the economic paralysis and the dwindling morale among citizens to ongoing cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel.

When asked about potential solutions, Hakim stressed the need to address Hezbollah's influence in Lebanon, stating, “We must free ourselves from Hezbollah's dominance and disarmament is necessary, particularly given the pointless and devastating consequences of this ongoing war.”

He underlined that the opposition would not accept a settlement that compromises Lebanon’s sovereignty or its citizens.

“The Lebanese Army is Lebanon’s only lifeline, and this must be recognized by the international and Arab communities. Lebanon’s sovereignty is vital to its survival, forming the cornerstone of our future,” he said, adding that Lebanon's current State fragility leaves it deeply vulnerable and susceptible to regional developments and instability, especially as Hezbollah has turned Lebanon's southern region into a battlefield. 

Addressing the internal displacement crisis, Hakim pointed out that Hezbollah’s actions have imposed severe socio-economic, financial, educational, and environmental burdens on Lebanon.

"The ongoing displacement and the ensuing demographic shifts represent a ticking time bomb," he warned. "The areas emptied are now buffer zones for Israel—was this Hezbollah's objective?" he asked.

Hakim noted that Israel appears intent on creating a border buffer zone by systematically demolishing villages, forcing Hezbollah to retreat from the front lines to secure the return of displaced Israelis in the north of the country. 

On the possibility of Hezbollah relinquishing its weapons, Hakim said the decision lies with Iran, not Hezbollah.

“Iran holds the control here and will not easily surrender this leverage, using Hezbollah as a bargaining chip in its talks with the U.S.,” he stated.

Hakim ended on a note of optimism for Lebanon’s future, calling for a weapons-free Lebanon, a ceasefire, and the swift return of displaced citizens to their homes. He urged the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 as a path to restoring stability.

“This is the only viable solution,” he concluded.