MP Elias Hankach emphasized that the responsibility for an immediate ceasefire lies with Lebanon's caretaker prime minister and the speaker of Parliament, saying  that Tying Lebanon's fate to Gaza and Hezbollah's unilateral decision to wage a war of "diversion" on Lebanon's southern border has entangled the country in turmoil.

"Hezbollah has failed to protect Lebanon; instead, it has dragged the country into calamities and destruction," he said in an interview on MTV. 

"For many years, we have warned that the decision of peace and war cannot lie outside Lebanese legitimacy. Any idea of building a nation cannot be executed amid a state of abnormality," the lawmaker stressed. "Presidential void is another  reason for the crisis we are currently witnessing, and those who have been obstructing the electoral sessions, notably Speaker Nabih Berri who has not called for a voting session in over a year, must bear responsibility."

"We will remain in a state of crisis if we fail to enforce an immediate ceasefire. I urge the international community to exert direct pressure on Israel, which has violated our land, killed civilians, and destroyed Lebanese areas. We are paying the price for a war we did not want. We submitted a petition to open Parliament to discuss this war, but our repeated calls fell on deaf ears," he added. 

Hankach said that the government is directly responsible for what has happened to Lebanon as the prime minister had adopted Hezbollah's rhetoric when the war first broke out.

"Today, we are contending with a ruthless enemy that is attacking Lebanon's sovereignty, thus those responsible for dragging Lebanon into this predicament must be held accountable."

Emphasizing national unity, Hankach declared that Lebanon should rely on its people and army, affirming that Lebanon is not to be used as a scapegoat by anyone, not to the guardianship of the jurist nor to Iran to serve its ambitions.

"While the war rages on, we see Iran moving closer to negotiations with the international community, especially the United States."

"Let them fight for Gaza and the Palestinian cause with their own people. We call on Hezbollah's supporters to return to the state's fold; the recent assassinations have taught all Lebanese sects that no one should be stronger than the state."

"We are a people deserving of life and a developed. War is not a fate; it was a decision made by Hezbollah without consulting anyone. We are in the most dangerous phase, facing threats to our identity, existence, and future, with our human capital now at risk due to brain drain."

Hankach identified a genuine opportunity to rebuild Lebanon through solidarity with those displaced from affected areas, saying that tying Lebanon's fate to Gaza and the "war of diversion" has burdened the country.

The Kataeb MP called on Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri to convene a session to demand an immediate ceasefire and ensure Hezbollah's compliance with UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

"For two years, we have been pressing, as opposition MPs, for the election of a president, while one team has consistently obstructed the voting sessions quorum. We have elected our candidate over 12 sessions, while the other side has maintained its obstruction. However, no one can impose their opinion or choice on us, and the obstructing team is now the one paying the price for this lingering vacancy because the President is the Commander of the Armed Forces and the only one with the right to decide on peace and war."

Hankach emphasized the need for a president capable of addressing the crisis and offering a vision for a better future.

"We will not accept a president who lacks character; we need someone who can reassure all Lebanese and reject any 'patchwork' approach in electing a president."

"We need a president as firm as Bachir Gemayel, one who shares his determination and vision for building a strong, stable state based on law and institutions. The situation is not insurmountable, but we must clarify what kind of Lebanon we want and the direction we intend to take."

Hankach affirmed that "building a new Lebanon requires a conference for reconciliation and dialogue, where we can openly discuss our concerns and fears to shape the future of Lebanon. We must commit to neutrality, as there is no life for Lebanon without it. We do not wish to be a mere messenger for any foreign power."

"No one intends to undermine the 'resistance.' Resistance is not exclusive to anyone; only the state has the right to resist, determine the country's fate, and protect its territory. The golden equation consists solely of the people and the army—this is genuine resistance."

"The army has a responsibility to declare a state of emergency to restore order, and we have complete confidence in this institution that remains active in protecting the Lebanese and sacrificing for them."

"We must equip the army and provide it with political support to enable it to protect our land, people, and sovereignty against this brutal aggression from Israel."

Hankach expressed his condolences to the families of Lebanese Army soldiers and the victims who fell victim to recent Israeli aggression, wishing a swift recovery to all the wounded.