The Kataeb’s Political Bureau held its weekly meeting, chaired by Party Leader Samy Gemayel. Following discussions on the past week’s developments and the upcoming municipal elections, the bureau issued the following statement:

1. Hezbollah continues to demonstrate defiance, with its Secretary-General insisting on placing Lebanon in direct confrontation with the international community. This posture invites greater threats and exposes the country to escalating Israeli attacks, while jeopardizing any prospect of national recovery.

The Kataeb Party firmly believes that recent remarks by Hezbollah leaders are not mere political statements, but constitute a blatant encroachment on Lebanon’s sovereignty and a direct challenge to the state’s authority. No armed faction operating outside the bounds of legality has the right to dictate terms to state institutions or assume guardianship over national decision-making. What is required from Hezbollah is not further rhetoric or political posturing, but the full and immediate surrender of its weapons and unconditional compliance with the authority of the Lebanese state.

This step is not only consistent with the positions of the President and Prime Minister, who have both emphasized the need to collect all weapons and place them under state control, but also aligns with UN Security Council Resolutions 1559 and 1701, the Lebanese Constitution, and the letter and spirit of the ceasefire agreement. Any attempt to engage in discussions outside this context constitutes complicity in undermining the state and cannot be regarded as a legitimate dialogue.

2. The Kataeb Party views the municipal elections kicking off Sunday in Mount Lebanon as far more than a routine local vote. These elections represent a pivotal opportunity to shape the country’s future, particularly after years of institutional paralysis. Their outcomes will have lasting consequences for the daily lives of Lebanese citizens over the next six years.

As for the elections in the capital, the party stresses the need to approach this critical milestone with a sense of national responsibility that preserves Beirut’s inclusive character and avoids any form of provocation. A calm and constructive dialogue must be allowed to take place around the specifics, ensuring that both the capital’s and the nation’s best interests are served.

The Kataeb Party reaffirms its commitment to putting its full capacities at the service of the Lebanese people, aiming to present a new model of local development and governance. It calls on citizens to view these elections as a real opportunity to cement a new path forward; one that drives positive change across all regions and supports Lebanon’s recovery while reflecting the hopes and ambitions of its people in every domain.