Kataeb MP Elias Hankach on Sunday voiced strong criticism of Hezbollah’s recent actions, emphasizing the need for Lebanon’s state institutions to regain exclusive control over decisions of war and peace.

His comments come in response to recent remarks by Hezbollah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah, which Hankach believes signal an unspoken agreement between Hezbollah and Israel to avoid full-scale conflict.

In an interview on Al-Hadath news channel, Hankach dismissed the idea that Lebanon was ever at serious risk of a full-blown war, noting that both parties seemed to adhere to certain boundaries during the recent escalation.

“The threat of a full-scale war has subsided, and there was never a serious risk in the first place,” Hankach said. “It’s as if there was an agreement between Hezbollah and Israel not to exceed certain limits, which is in the interest of Lebanon and the region.”

However, Hankach expressed deep concern over the damage already inflicted on Lebanon, describing the conflict as a war of attrition that is draining the country’s economy and jeopardizing its future.

“Lebanon has suffered many casualties, extensive destruction, and significant economic damage,” he lamented. “We have been embroiled in a war that is draining our economy and jeopardizing the future of our country, particularly for the people of the south.”

Hezbollah’s actions, according to Hankach, neither support the Palestinian cause nor support the children of Gaza. Instead, they have exposed Lebanon to unnecessary risks.

“The decision of war and peace must be solely in the hands of the Lebanese state, with all local parties being entitled to partake in this decision-making process,” Hankach insisted. “The Lebanese army alone should defend the country, not militias acting on behalf of foreign powers, nor any group claiming to be a resistance that uses Lebanon as a platform for launching rockets.”

Hankach expressed hope that Hezbollah would return to its Lebanese roots and abandon its confrontational stance, reiterating the longstanding position of the Kataeb Party which has repeatedly urged Hezbollah to reach out to other Lebanese factions to discuss together the future of the country.

“We hope that Hezbollah will return to embrace its Lebanese identity,” Hankach said. “This is the message of the Kataeb Party and its leader, who has called on Hezbollah to abandon its arrogance and superiority, and to join other Lebanese at the table to seriously consider the future of the country.”

Despite Hezbollah’s announcement that its retaliation against Israel has ended, Hankach remains skeptical.

“I don’t believe things end just like that,” he said. “Neither Hezbollah nor Israel can unilaterally decide the outcome. The tension in the region is high, and we have not yet reached the point of sitting at the negotiating table. But this war will ultimately end with either direct or indirect negotiations and a commitment to an agreement like UNSC Resolution 1701.”

Hankach also questioned Hezbollah’s claims of victory, pointing out that any exaggeration of achievements would only serve to escalate tensions further.

“If Hezbollah has indeed inflicted significant damage, as Nasrallah claims, who can guarantee that Israel won’t retaliate? How can he be so sure that it’s over? If Hezbollah hasn’t inflicted such damage, then everything being reported in the media is merely a distortion and exaggeration of imaginary achievements.”

Regarding ongoing diplomatic efforts, Hankach revealed that he and a parliamentary delegation met with U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein in Washington several months ago and again two weeks ago. These meetings, he said, highlighted a significant effort to reduce tensions along the border and create a buffer zone between the warring parties.

“There is serious work being done to reach an agreement that would create a buffer zone between the warring parties,” he noted.

When asked if Hezbollah might have accepted a deal through its intermediary, Speaker Nabih Berri, Hankach responded, “I believe that this is up to Iran, not the party.”

Finally, Hankach expressed concern over Nasrallah’s recent comments about launching drones from south and north of the Litani River, warning that such actions could provoke a more severe Israeli response.

“This shows that there are no red lines or safeguards for Lebanon’s security,” he said. “It indicates that Nasrallah possesses long-range missiles and is provoking Israel, which raises concerns that counter military operations could extend deeper into Lebanese territory.”