Kataeb Leader Samy Gemayel met with MP Dr. Ghassan Skaf with talks featuring high on the latest developments in the country, in the presence of Kataeb’s Head of Public Policy and Legislation Lara Saade.

Following the meeting, MP Skaf commented on the intensifying Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon, noting that their increased frequency and intensity in recent days signal, from a strategic standpoint, a potential large-scale ground invasion of southern Lebanon.

He emphasized that, if such an operation is inevitable, the Lebanese State must take a preemptive step by requesting Hezbollah to cease fire and halt unilateral military actions, handing over its positions south of the Litani River to the Lebanese army.

"This step must be preceded by an extensive diplomatic initiative, coordinating with the United States, the United Nations, the Arab League, and Gulf countries, to ensure the protection of the Lebanese army and prevent it from being drawn into an uneven battle," Skaf noted.

Skaf pointed out that such a tactical retreat by Hezbollah should not be seen as a defeat or surrender.

He recalled that this approach was previously endorsed by the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, who referred to it as a "tactical withdrawal."

He added that this move would shift the confrontation in southern Lebanon to one between two states—Lebanon and Israel—rather than between Israel and Hezbollah, which is classified as a terrorist organization. Israel has consistently sought to frame the conflict in Lebanon as one against Hezbollah rather than the Lebanese state, especially following Hezbollah's attack on October 8.

"Today, we hear little objection to Israel’s brutality. However, if the confrontation shifts to one between Israel and the Lebanese army, the international community will once again step in to protect Lebanon. The involvement of the Lebanese army would place Arab and Gulf states in a position to defend Lebanon, and it would unite all Lebanese in support of their army. Moreover, it would complicate matters for the United States, the army’s main funder and supporter, possibly leading to the transfer of Beirut’s port and airport under U.S. control, thereby safeguarding them from being targeted and enhancing American guarantees to protect Lebanon’s public infrastructure."

Skaf concluded, "We are exerting significant efforts to finalize the presidential elections The nomination of a president requires both national consensus and international alignment. We have initiated consultations with various parties, starting with Speaker Berri, and now the opposition, with the hope of completing this critical milestone soon."