Kataeb MP Nadim Gemayel dismissed recent statements by Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem as "rhetoric aimed at boosting morale" amid Lebanon’s ongoing crisis, accusing the group of creating an illusion of victory while the country suffers from devastating social and economic conditions.

“This is an attempt to justify their position and project a false sense of triumph,” Gemayel said in an interview on Al-Mashhad channel. “However, the destruction and dire social conditions we are witnessing are enough to declare Hezbollah defeated.”  

Gemayel slammed Hezbollah’s claims of resilience and victory as a "big lie," pointing to Israel's recent incursion into southern Lebanon as evidence.

“The Israelis entered southern Lebanon—so when will this lie end? Where is the deterrence, protection, and resilience that Hezbollah constantly boasts about in its speeches?” he asked.  

“We must break free from this situation. We can no longer live under Hezbollah’s narrative.”  

On the ongoing ceasefire negotiations, Gemayel made it clear that “the only acceptable agreement is for Hezbollah to hand over its weapons to the Lebanese Army, ensuring that the military alone controls all Lebanese territory." 

The lawmaker further emphasized that Hezbollah’s weaponry and perceived dominance are no longer sustainable.

“We cannot continue to live under the mercy of Hezbollah's weapons and their arrogance,” he said.  

Gemayel described Lebanon’s predicament as a battleground for external powers, saying that the country is caught in a conflict between Israel and Iran on its soil. However, he argued that the more critical conflict lies between Lebanon and Hezbollah.

“This internal struggle can only be resolved through adherence to the Constitution," he stressed. 

Gemayel dismissed the notion of advocating for a civil war, instead emphasizing coexistence with Lebanon’s Shiite community.

"We are not calling for a civil war. What we are saying is that Hezbollah’s mission is over. We want to live in peace with the Shiite community. We do not wish to infringe on anyone’s rights, but just as we handed over our weapons to the State, Hezbollah must do the same."

Gemayel expressed concerns that the proposed agreement under discussion "could be worse than the May 17 Accord," rejecting Hezbollah chief's assertion of the "People-Army-Resistance" triology.

“This rhetoric has become outdated. The army is fully capable of protecting Lebanon. It's time to acknowledge the truth: only the Lebanese Army should hold weapons across all Lebanese territory,” he said.  

Gemayel addressed Lebanon’s ongoing political stalemate, saying that there will be no presidential election as long as the balance of power in the country remains unresolved.

"The president will only be elected as part of any upcoming resolution,” he said.  

Reflecting on the assassination anniversary of Minister Pierre Gemayel, the lawmaker paid tribute to his late relative.

“To him and to all the martyrs, I say there has been significant change in the country. Perhaps their assassinations were meant to shift the balance of power and silence the impactful role they were destined to play,” he said.