Kataeb MP Elias Hankach emphasized the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon, pointing to the ongoing war’s devastating effects on the country’s already fragile state.

In an interview on Al-Jadeed, Hankach highlighted the long-standing political obstruction, particularly regarding the presidential election, and the growing imbalance between Hezbollah's influence and the authority of the Lebanese state.

Hankach clarified that the Lebanese public is well aware of a consensus reached among the majority of Christian political factions on the candidacy of former minister Jihad Azour. He pointed out that despite a unified position, only one parliamentary session was held to elect a president. However, quorum was deliberately disrupted by Speaker Nabih Berri, Hezbollah and their allies. 

"This shows a deliberate obstruction that has persisted for a year now," Hankach said.

The lawmaker noted that for the past two years, opposition MPs have been pushing for the election of a president, but quorum was repeatedly sabotaged by one side.

"Since June 14, we have been calling on Speaker Berri to convene a session, which has not yet taken place. We signed a petition and demanded a session, even just to discuss the war," he added. Hankach emphasized that while electing a president remains a priority, the current war demands immediate action, with Parliament needing to convene to call for an urgent ceasefire on behalf of the Lebanese people.

Hankach further urged Hezbollah to cease fire immediately to allow the Lebanese state to engage in negotiations, noting that both the Lebanese state and Hezbollah were unprepared for the war which has left the country vulnerable.

"Neither the state nor Hezbollah was ready for this war. We have been unable to protect our people or our country. We lack shelters, safe havens, and a balance of terror. The situation in Lebanon is deteriorating rapidly, and the people can no longer endure this war."

"The priority today is to stop the fighting and put pressure on Hezbollah. The Lebanese army, through the government, can defend the country. We cannot continue on the same path after all that has happened. The situation is dire. Over one million people have been displaced, and we do not know how long it will take for them to return to their homes."

"We need the army to take the reins and restore calm. A president must also be elected to re-establish political order and end the political deadlock."

Hankach concluded by asserting that the ongoing crisis is the result of Hezbollah’s growing power, which has overshadowed the authority of the state.

"Everything we are experiencing today is due to the rise of a state within the state. Lebanon is paying the price for this, and it is now clear that we cannot go on like this," he said, urging for a comprehensive political overhaul to prevent the country from descending further into chaos.