Kataeb MP Elias Hankach voiced hope that the ongoing ceasefire negotiations would yield tangible results, urging all parties to respect Lebanon's State authority and Constitution.

In an interview on LBCI, Hankach emphasized that Lebanon’s Parliament must serve as the “mandatory gateway” for any agreement, stressing the need to abide by Lebanon's Constitution and international resolutions in any potential ceasefire deal. 

The MP stressed the need for Hezbollah to relinquish its arms to State control, describing such a move as a means to preserve Lebanon’s integrity.

“Hezbollah must operate within the framework of the State and place its weapons under its control. This wouldn't be an act of surrender but rather a means to save and preserve what remains of Hezbollah's community and fighters,” he said.  

Hankach criticized the notion of "the right to self-defense" as overly broad, asserting that the Lebanese Army alone has the mandate to defend the nation.

“No one other than the Lebanese Army has the authority to defend the Lebanese people,” he said.  

He argued that Hezbollah’s arsenal undermines State-building efforts, noting that the existence of non-state weapons is incompatible with building a functioning nation.

"Today, we must focus on building a State where all citizens are treated equally. Hezbollah is neither larger nor stronger than the State itself,” he said.  

Hankach framed the current moment as an opportunity to rebuild Lebanon, warning that half-measures will not end up by firing back. 

“This is our moment to ensure Lebanon is rebuilt as a strong, unified State under the rule of law,” he said.  

Asked about the ongoing ceasefire talks, the lawmaker stressed that the  Lebanese State must fully assume its role and act as the sole negotiator.

Commenting on recent remarks by Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem, Hankach said that Lebanon cannot endure a prolonged war of attrition.

"If Sheikh Naim Qassem truly understood the suffering of his people and Lebanon as a whole, he would end this war immediately.”  

On the lingering presidential election bottleneck, Hankach pointed out that the Kataeb Party had explored all possible avenues to end this stalemate, blaming the rival camp for repeatedly disrupting quorum during voting sessions.