The Kataeb Political Bureau held its weekly meeting under the chairmanship of Party Leader Samy Gemayel. After discussing the recent developments in Lebanon and the region, the bureau issued the following statement:

1. The Political Bureau strongly condemns the recent Israeli strike that claimed the lives of innocent children in Bint Jbeil, stressing that targeting civilians, particularly children, is a crime against conscience before it is a crime defined in law, ranking among the most serious of atrocities.

The party underscores the need to shield civilians, especially children, from the consequences of military operations, and calls on the international community to assume its responsibilities in protecting the innocent.

2. In light of the recent call made by Hezbollah’s secretary-general to open a new chapter with Saudi Arabia, the Bureau affirms that dialogue between the Lebanese State and the Kingdom is already ongoing through official and diplomatic channels. Instead of launching empty and futile initiatives, Hezbollah would do better to engage seriously in the process of placing all weapons under the sole authority of the State and sparing the country further tragedies.

3. The Kataeb Party urges the Parliament’s Bureau and Speaker Nabih Berri to abide by internal regulations and move quickly to place on the legislature's agenda the urgent draft law amending the article on expatriate voting. This would ensure that the upcoming parliamentary elections are held on schedule and safeguard the expats' right to cast their ballots in embassies and consulates.

The party stresses that the upcoming legislative session will be the last of the extraordinary term, while the next regular session will be dedicated to discussing the draft budget. This creates pressing time constraints for passing this critical amendment in due course.