Kataeb Political Bureau member Alain Hakim said that Lebanon must take a clear and decisive stance in regional negotiations rather than remain on the sidelines, warning that Hezbollah’s influence continues to obstruct state-building and democratic progress.

In an interview on Voice of Lebanon radio, Hakim said that the recent U.S. regional initiative largely bypassed Lebanon because the country has been unable to assert itself in negotiations. He stressed that Lebanon must adopt a firm, coherent strategy, noting that “the U.S. administration does not accept a gray decision, but wants a decisive position,” particularly under growing international pressure.

Hakim accused Hezbollah of operating like a “guerrilla army” politically limited to its deputies and Secretary-General, while militarily rebuilding its infrastructure under the cover of silence on the ground. He added that Speaker Nabih Berri’s delaying tactics provide Hezbollah with time to reestablish its military and political structures.

“Where are Hezbollah’s allies? They remain out of sight, waiting for the right moment,” Hakim said. “The party benefits from this delay to reestablish its military presence, which imposes economic and social strain on the state.”

On negotiations with Israel, Hakim said the Kataeb Party supports Lebanon entering a diplomatic track at regional and international levels, acting as a sovereign actor with clear direction.

“Negotiations should proceed within the existing legal framework, starting from the ceasefire agreement and implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701. Hezbollah, meanwhile, is waiting for regional and international changes, instructing Speaker Berri to stall and buy time on all fronts.”

“A unified vision among sovereign forces is required to resolve the disarmament issue swiftly.  While the Lebanese Armed Forces fulfill their duties, they lack political cover, leaving the decision in the political arena, as Hezbollah still holds seats in parliament and the cabinet. The only solution is to end the party’s military presence permanently.”

Hakim also highlighted the importance of the 2026 parliamentary elections, noting that “the current fight over expatriate voting is a one aimed at securing the sovereignty of the next parliament.”

He reaffirmed the Kataeb Party’s long-standing opposition to the current electoral law and reiterated that expatriate voting rights remain a top priority.

On Egypt’s role in regional mediation, Hakim said: “Egyptian-Israeli intelligence relations are very deep, and Egypt’s influence in this matter is unwavering. Egypt could serve as a critical partner in the next phase, given its credibility with the United States, Arab states, and Israel. Egyptian involvement is positive and essential to achieving practical results. This period should be leveraged to enter negotiations aimed at reducing losses, with several practical mechanisms and steps toward peace.”

Expressing confidence in Lebanon’s sovereign leadership, Hakim expressed "full trust" in both the President and the Prime Minister. 

Turning to the economic situation, Hakim argued that no legislation—whether the “gap law,” banking restructuring, banking secrecy, or other economic reforms—can resolve Lebanon’s crisis without addressing the issue of non-state weapons and reopening Arab investment channels.