Commenting on the recent remarks made by Senior advisor to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs Massaad Boulos, Kataeb MP Elias Hankach clarified that postponing the presidential elections session was not his intention.

He emphasized that this matter falls under the purview of the MPs and the Speaker of Parliament, adding that everyone must fulfill their duty and remain in the session until a president is elected, as further delays are untenable.

In an interview with Safaa News, Hankach noted that political calculations have become irrelevant after all that the country has endured.

He explained that after two and a half years, failing to elect a president would amount to squandering another significant opportunity.

He warned that if the elections are not held on January 9, it remains uncertain when House Speaker Nabih Berri will call for another session.

“As we’ve stated before, obstruction and vacancy are deliberate strategies to allow Hezbollah to monopolize decisions of war and peace. This has been central to Hezbollah’s military strategy, particularly in the absence of a president who would otherwise maintain oversight,” he said.

Hankach confirmed that the opposition has resumed its efforts following the ceasefire, with a committee actively working on the presidential issue.

He reiterated that as long as the other camp insists on Minister Sleiman Frangieh as its candidate, the opposition remains committed to its nominee, Jihad Azour while being open to converging on a consensus candidate.

Hankach expressed the belief that the prior alignment with the Free Patriotic Movement on Azour could still be viable, mentioning that other candidates, such as Army Commander Joseph Aoun, stand out as prominent alternatives.

Reflecting on past elections, he recalled voting nearly 40 times for Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea when he was a candidate, emphasizing that any candidate from their political bloc capable of breaking the stalemate would be a win for the entire team.

Hankach underlined the unsustainable nature of a country plagued by unregulated arms, pointing out that the true debate in Lebanon is not whether Hezbollah has won or lost, but whether the state has triumphed by extending its sovereignty over all Lebanese territory. This requires deploying the Lebanese Army and ensuring no armed groups exist, whether Lebanese or foreign.

He argued that illegal weapons have only brought calamities to Lebanon, serving as a weakness rather than a strength, and urged Hezbollah to surrender its arsenal voluntarily to the Lebanese Army.

Responding to remarks by Hezbollah’s Deputy head of Hezbollah's Political Council Mahmoud Qomati, Hankach stated, “No one asked him to defend Lebanon, and he failed to do so anyway. Around 100,000 homes in 38 villages were destroyed, 4,000 people were killed, and 15,000 were injured. So, thank you, but your defense is neither needed nor appreciated. The defense of Lebanon is solely the responsibility of the Lebanese Army, which can fulfill this role with the support of its people.”

He criticized the lack of resources for the military, recalling a $3 billion Saudi-French agreement to support the Lebanese Army, which was suspended due to accusations against Saudi Arabia. “When we have political stability and good relations with our historical allies, we can adequately arm the Lebanese Army,” he said.

On the Syrian crisis and refugee influx, Hankach reaffirmed the Kataeb Party’s 2011 stance advocating for UN-monitored buffer zones and border camps. He stressed that today’s situation requires the Army to secure borders and combat smuggling, a responsibility bolstered by international agreements like UNSC Resolution 1701.

He concluded by stating that Lebanon lacks constitutional reforms, governance, and accountability. “Electing a president is imperative. The new president must address the arms issue, consolidate state authority, implement international resolutions, and adopt bold economic austerity measures to restore Lebanon’s diplomatic standing and garner international support. This is a genuine opportunity to rebuild the country on solid foundations and regain the trust of its people,” Hankach asserted.