Kataeb MP Elias Hankach said his recent visit to Washington underscored growing international impatience with Lebanon’s stalled reforms, warning that the country risks squandering a rare opportunity to restore sovereignty and economic stability.

In an interview with Voice of Lebanon radio, Hankach revealed that the meetings addressed President Joseph Aoun’s recent speech, which reasserted the exclusive authority of the Lebanese state over all arms. The speech urged the disarmament of both Palestinian factions and Hezbollah, and for the first time, included a proposed timeline for the collection of weapons from Palestinian refugee camps.

“This is a fundamental step toward restoring state sovereignty,” Hankach said, praising what he described as a rare moment of political clarity. “The President’s stance marks a critical turning point.”

“The message from Washington is clear,” Hankach said. “Lebanon needs to act — and fast.”

Hankach also referenced a speech by former U.S. State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus, delivered recently in Doha, where she laid out what he described as the dual pillars of U.S. policy toward Lebanon: sweeping economic reform and the consolidation of all arms under state authority.

“Everyone knows these are the top American priorities,” Hankach said. “But what matters now is whether Lebanon is serious about implementing them. The region is shifting, and Lebanon has to move with it.”

He warned that international engagement with Lebanon is not open-ended.

“There’s still global interest in Lebanon’s future, but that attention isn’t indefinite,” he said. “We can’t keep assuming the world will wait while we remain stuck in dysfunction. The responsibility is ours now. The Lebanese themselves must take responsibility for aligning with the emerging regional order.”

Hankach pointed to neighboring Syria as an example of how quickly geopolitical dynamics can change. As Damascus begins to emerge from years of conflict, it is increasingly viewed as a potential investment destination.

“Syria is stabilizing, and that positions it to attract regional investments,” he said. “That puts even more pressure on Lebanon not to fall behind. We cannot afford to squander this opportunity.”

The Kataeb lawmaker concluded by urging Lebanese leaders to move decisively and capitalize on the limited window of international engagement.