Kataeb Leader Advisor Elie Marouni highlighted that the Israeli Defense Minister’s conditions for freedom of movement in Lebanon are impractical, as they infringe upon Lebanese sovereignty.

He noted that when Lebanon accepted UNSC Resolution 1701, it entrusted the Lebanese Armed Forces and UNIFIL with the responsibility of maintaining security, making them accountable for monitoring ceasefire violations.

In an interview on “Al Hadath,” Marouni stated, “Lebanon is facing a destructive and deadly war, and these conditions and counter-conditions only lead to more devastation and loss of life. We are hearing a multitude of perspectives on either a ceasefire or escalation, yet the Israeli minister’s conditions are unfeasible and are provocative, seeking only minimal gains.”

Regarding the Egyptian Foreign Minister’s visit and the Arab-Islamic summit in Riyadh, Marouni commented, “Egypt deserves thanks for its efforts, as does Saudi Arabia for initiating this summit. We hope the summit’s decisions are decisively implemented for the benefit of Lebanon and Gaza.”

He continued, “We hope strong pressure is exerted on Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri to call for a presidential election session, as Lebanon is in a severe crisis, and it is unacceptable for it to remain without a president, a fully empowered government, and with a dysfunctional parliament.”

Marouni asserted that Berri bears responsibility for not convening a presidential election session, stressing that in critical times, all considerations should fall away.

He called on Berri to hold a session, placing full accountability on those obstructing it for betraying Lebanon, its people, and its institutions by stalling the election of a president.

He clarified that the opposition is not rigidly attached to any particular presidential candidate, but rather advocates for the election of a president. In contrast, Berri and his party have blocked the electoral sessions due to their commitment to Minister Sleiman Frangieh.

Marouni emphasized that genuine democracy opens the door for any qualified individual to run, and that open voting sessions without quorum obstructions would result in the election of a candidate with the required support.

Marouni remarked, “There is talk of new candidates emerging, and Lebanon is rich with qualified individuals to lead the country and fill the void, especially amid destruction, death, and war, with Hezbollah’s insistence on tying Lebanon’s fate to Gaza’s support leading us to this point.”

He observed that Lebanon cannot afford to wait for solutions until the newly elected U.S. President Donald Trump assumes office and forms his administration. There is talk that both Democratic and Republican administrations may agree on securing a ceasefire, with a comprehensive solution after Trump takes office.

Marouni added, “Communications with the U.S. administration are ongoing. Just hours ago, Kataeb Party leader MP Samy Gemayel met with U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein, pushing for a ceasefire. However, the Israeli conditions stem from Israel viewing itself as victorious, though it cannot impose its terms on the Lebanese state. We in Lebanon have demanded the disarmament of Hezbollah for 15 years, for its weapons to be handed to the army, for the party to engage in the state-building project, and for a defensive strategy to be established.”

He concluded, “Our demand for Hezbollah’s disarmament is not driven by Israeli interests but is a longstanding goal of ours, as we seek a fully empowered state. It is unacceptable for a sovereign state to coexist alongside an armed faction. Implementing UNSC Resolution 1701 includes disarming militias, and we will not accept a post-ceasefire Lebanon that returns to the pre-war status quo. We seek a strong State with robust institutions and a capable, responsible army that alone holds the authority over peace and war decisions.”