Elie Marouni, a senior advisor to Lebanese Kataeb Party leader and former Minister, stressed the need for an immediate ceasefire, calling on the Lebanese State to protect its citizens from further violence and destruction.

In an interview on OTV, Marouni emphasized the urgency of halting the ongoing conflict which has escalated in recent weeks, leaving Lebanon in a dire social, economic, and humanitarian crisis.

"We have gone through many wars in Lebanon, and at every stage, there have been dozens of attempts at a ceasefire that have remained unimplemented," Marouni said, reflecting on the country’s turbulent history of conflict. He questioned whether Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has any interest in ending the war, as both Hezbollah and Israel appear to claim victory while Lebanon remains in a State of devastation.

"The issue is that each of both sides, Hezbollah and Israel, is speaking as if it has won this war, while we are in a tragic situation on social, economic, and humanitarian fronts," he added. "Lebanon is in a state of power vacuum, with no appointments being made and no president elected—this is dangerous for the survival of the State and the future of the people."

Marouni noted that Kataeb Party leader Samy Gemayel has been actively engaged in diplomatic efforts abroad, making calls with key U.S. officials, but has yet to receive a clear answer regarding ongoing ceasefire negotiations.

On the role of Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri in the negotiations, Marouni deplored the consequences entailed by the lingering presidential void, stressing that the president of the republic is the sole negotiator stipulated by the Constituion.

"Following the trilateral meeting in Ain al-Tineh, we praised the roles of Prime Minister Najib Mikati and Speaker Nabih Berri in separating the conflict in Lebanon from that in Gaza. However, according to the Constitution and the law, the President of the Republic is the official negotiator and is required to sign any agreement reached. Either we apply the Constitution and the law, or each party can negotiate according to its own preferences."

He stressed that any indirect agreement with Israel would concern all Lebanese citizens, pointing out that Berri is negotiating on behalf of Hezbollah rather than the Lebanese State.

"A large part of the Lebanese people is unaware of the details of these negotiations," Marouni added. "Lebanon's situation is critical and requires exceptional measures. I fear that through procrastination, we may be forced to accept terms harsher than those currently on the table."

"How can we justify not electing a president in the midst of this war, especially when all parliament members, including Hezbollah’s representatives, continue to attend sessions?" he questioned.

Marouni was also critical of the role Hezbollah has played in the broader regional conflict, asking, "What has Gaza gained from this war of support?"

He reiterated that Lebanon belongs to all Lebanese citizens and that no group should unilaterally engage in a war without the consent of the people.

"Since the beginning of this war, we have warned that what is happening at the border could lead to a full-scale war that will affect all of Lebanon," he said. "We are afraid for our country, for our people, and for future generations who are being deprived of education and safety. For Lebanon to survive, Hezbollah must return to the Lebanese State. If they believe that everything they are doing today is for Lebanon's sake, then they should return to the State's fold, as this is the only way to contribute to the country's rebuilding."

"Samy Gemayel has repeatedly insisted on this point and has rejected that any of the local factions feels defeated.,," he pointed out.

"Arms should be under the State's exclusive control. The excuse that the Lebanese Army cannot defend the borders must stop. Lebanon belongs to us, and we do not want to destroy it because of unilateral decisions. We simply cannot afford another war."

In conclusion, Marouni made it clear that, in the aftermath of any ceasefire, Lebanon will not accept a fragmented country with armed factions operating outside the legitimacy of the State.

"We want a State governed by law and institutions, where all political forces are equal and well integrated," he stated. "This is our project for Lebanon's future."