The Kataeb’s political bureau convened its weekly meeting under the chairmanship of the party's First Vice President, Dr. Bernard Gerbaka. The meeting opened with a moment of silence in honor of the victims of the August 4 Beirut port explosion, foremost among them the party’s late Secretary-General, Nizar Najarian. Following discussions on the latest developments, the bureau issued the following statement:

1. Amid mounting challenges, the Kataeb Political Bureau stresses that Hezbollah's open refusal to engage in any discussion regarding its weapons represents a blatant violation of the Constitution and the law, which places the state before a critical juncture it can no longer afford to ignore. The bureau notes that the recent remarks by U.S. envoy Tom Barrack clearly indicate that Lebanon is running out of time.

In light of this, the Kataeb Party calls on the state to adopt a firm approach in asserting its authority and enforcing the rule of law across the entire Lebanese territory before it's too late. The party holds Hezbollah fully responsible for any political or security deterioration that may result from its continued defiance, especially as international warnings grow over the consequences of failing to implement relevant resolutions, foremost among them Resolution 1701. Such inaction could plunge Lebanon into deeper isolation and bring about serious consequences.

2. On the occasion of Lebanese Army Day, August 1, the Kataeb Party extends its heartfelt congratulations and appreciation to the Lebanese Armed Forces. The party reaffirms its full trust in the army as the nation’s unifying institution and the sole protector of all Lebanese citizens and every inch of Lebanese territory. The Kataeb Party underscores the need for full support for the military, including equipping it with proper weaponry and improving the living conditions of its personnel.

3. The Political Bureau stresses the need to pass a comprehensive package of long-awaited reform laws in the upcoming parliamentary session, including:

• The law on judicial independence

• The law on restructuring the banking sector

• The activation of the public-private partnership (PPP) law

These laws are essential to restoring both domestic and international trust, jumpstarting the economy, and putting the country back on the path to recovery.

Kataeb also reiterates its demand that Lebanese expatriates be granted the right to vote in their homeland, and that the six parliamentary seats currently allocated to them be abolished. The party emphasizes that this step has become a binding obligation for the Speaker of Parliament, as stipulated in the legislature’s internal rules. There is no longer any justification for continued delays.

4. With the fifth anniversary of the Beirut port explosion approaching, the Kataeb Party praises the sincere efforts exerted by investigative judge Tarek Bitar and the progress achieved in the probe despite the numerous challenges. The party also commends the constructive role of Justice Minister Adel Nassar, who has worked to safeguard the independence of the investigation and enable it to proceed.

The party renews its call for Judge Bitar to expedite the issuance of the indictment, paving the way for trials to begin and long-awaited justice to be served to the families of the victims and the port’s fallen heroes.

5. The bureau addressed the gruesome crime that recently took place in the Maameltein area, welcoming the decision of the Interior Minister to adopt strict measures and calling for the implementation of a sustainable security plan that reassures citizens and dismantles the protection networks shielding mafia-like practices from accountability.