Lebanese MP Elias Hankach emphasized that it is the state and its official institutions, not Hezbollah’s weapons or Palestinian armed groups, that ultimately safeguard Lebanon and its citizens. Speaking in an interview with MTV Lebanon, Hankach criticized certain elements within Lebanon’s security apparatus, which he said have long exerted undue pressure on the public through fabricated cases dating back to the Syrian occupation era, citing the example of researcher Wissam Saadeh.

“We now live in an environment characterized by greater freedoms and openness,” Hankach said. “Political life is stabilizing, and institutions are beginning to implement reforms. The road ahead will be difficult, but we must keep in mind that this system has been entrenched for more than 30 years. Real change won’t happen overnight.”

Expressing cautious optimism, Hankach highlighted ongoing reform efforts designed to protect citizens’ freedoms and rights. He pointed to the election of a new president and the formation of a government more reflective of the Lebanese people as signs that the country is entering a new phase. He also noted a positive shift within the judiciary, mentioning Judge Tarek Bitar, who is now pursuing the investigation into the 2020 Beirut port explosion with unprecedented independence. Hankach described this development as evidence of a “new spirit” taking root in Lebanon.

“There is growing international attention, and progress is underway,” he said. “But we shouldn’t expect immediate transformation. This is a long process.”

Addressing the repeated attacks against the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in southern Lebanon, Hankach condemned Hezbollah’s long-standing tactic of using civilians as human shields. He insisted that the country’s weapons will eventually be confined to the Lebanese state alone, and that Hezbollah will ultimately transform into a political party like any other in Lebanon’s system.

“Hezbollah’s popular base will need time to accept this new reality,” he acknowledged.

Hankach said clear timelines for disarmament are expected, which would help Lebanon break free from its international isolation and restore ties with regional and global allies.

Reflecting on his recent meetings in Washington, Hankach said he did not detect any plans to change UNIFIL’s mandate. However, he noted that Lebanon should have moved more decisively to address the issue of disarmament.

Comparing Lebanon’s situation to Syria’s path toward stability, Hankach cautioned against unfair parallels, suggesting that the U.S. maintains a nuanced stance on regional affairs.

“We are entering a new chapter that could usher in greater stability,” he said.

Recalling Kataeb Party leader Samy Gemayel’s call for a national conference of truth and reconciliation, Hankach stressed that Lebanon’s collective memory has yet to fully heal.

“Any future steps must be rooted in broad consensus among Lebanese citizens,” he said. “We all recognize that deep-seated issues must change within our country.” He warned against using past grievances as a shield to avoid confronting these challenges.

“It’s time to learn from history and close the chapters of those who sought to be bigger than the country itself,” Hankach concluded. “We must build a new Lebanon.”

“We stand at a decisive moment, ready to take a new step forward. Our hope lies with the president and the path he charts for Lebanon,” he added.