Kataeb political bureau member Alain Hakim said that whild U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration is making a final push to achieve solutions for escalating conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, the prospects for immediate breakthroughs remain slim. 

In an interview with Sputnik, Hakim expressed skepticism about the prospects of a settlement materializing soon, noting that this issue seems to be postponed for a later stage.

Hakim suggested that any potential resolution will likely hinge on specific mechanisms outlined in international resolutions which aim to restore Lebanon’s sovereignty, prevent Hezbollah from rearming, and ensure Israeli security is upheld. 

The former minister stressed the importance of consolidating State authority, calling for a permanent ceasefire that would allow displaced residents to return to their homes.

"Disarming non-state actors, placing all weapons under the exclusive authority of the State and its army, and rebuilding the State collectively represent the only path forward," he said, adding that such measures are already enshrined in Lebanon’s Constitution, the Taif Agreement, and various international resolutions.

On the issue of governance, Hakim underlined the need for internal dialogue among all factions, saying that a solution to Lebanon's predicament must come from within. 

"The mechanism for agreement requires all Lebanese factions to sit together. The state cannot be built without the participation of all parties," he said. "We want a nation with political and economic stability, governed by the rule of law, embracing pluralism, decentralization, and mutual acceptance. We will rebuild our country together without external interference."

Hakim was critical of Hezbollah’s influence on Lebanon’s political dynamics and its role in regional conflicts, arguing that the group must prioritize Lebanon in any post-conflict scenario.

"Illegal arms have led to repeated catastrophes," he remarked.  

He also criticized the ongoing absence of a president, claiming it was a deliberate move to undermine Lebanon’s decision-making process.

"If there were a president, there would be a genuine representative prioritizing Lebanon’s interests," he said.

Hakim also commented on regional implications, accusing Iran of exploiting Lebanon’s struggles to bolster its negotiating position with the International Atomic Energy Agency and in nuclear deal discussions.

"Iran is leveraging the Lebanese battlefield to improve its terms, and this tug-of-war directly impacts Lebanon," he said.  

Hakim praised the Lebanese army’s readiness to take control of the borders and stressed the importance of strengthening its role. 

Hakim highlighted the recent international tour of Kataeb leader MP Samy Gemayel, saying it is aimed at ensuring Lebanon’s interests are not sidelined in negotiations.

"The goal is to affirm Lebanon’s stake in discussions and prevent them from being confined to Iranian and Israeli interests," he said.  

Hakim criticized Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri’s role as a mediator between Hezbollah and Israel, questioning the Lebanese State’s role in ongoing negotiations.

"We reject limiting negotiations to Iran, represented by Hezbollah, which has delegated Speaker Nabih Berri to represent it. We demand the inclusion of Parliament, as it represents the Lebanese people, including Hezbollah."

"Parliament is inactive, and the government no longer represents the current Parliament," he added.