Kataeb Bloc MP Nadim Gemayel has expressed strong support for President Joseph Aoun’s recent visit to Saudi Arabia, describing it as a significant step toward re-engaging with the Arab world and Lebanon’s natural regional environment. He argued that the visit signals a shift back to the Arab embrace, which has historically been a key pillar of Lebanon’s identity.

In an interview with This Is Lebanon, Gemayel highlighted the stark contrast between Lebanon’s current direction and the one taken in 2016, when Michel Aoun's election as president aligned the country with the Iran-Syria axis. He noted that Lebanon’s official position has now shifted, with the election of a new president marking a departure from the axis that, according to Gemayel, led Lebanon into wars, destruction, and economic collapse.

"The resistance axis caused a great deal of devastation, straying far from the prosperity Lebanon once knew," Gemayel said, further emphasizing the importance of rebuilding Lebanon on a foundation of both international and Arab support to ensure a future of stability and prosperity.

Gemayel’s remarks also reflected his longstanding opposition to Michel Aoun’s election—not due to personal animosity, but because of Aoun’s alliance with what Gemayel refers to as the "axis of evil." He stressed that such alliances would ultimately bring harm to Lebanon.

Reacting to the Iranian claim that Hezbollah’s resistance continues to be supported by the majority of Lebanese, Gemayel argued that the situation on the ground has drastically changed in recent years. He suggested that while Hezbollah continues to assert its resistance against Israel and the goal of liberating Jerusalem, the reality is vastly different.

"The Iranian reality has shifted, and today they cannot even land a plane in Lebanon," he said, underscoring the political and material decline of Iran’s influence in the region.

Gemayel further noted that Hezbollah’s continued actions in Lebanon risk destabilizing the country, particularly through its military presence and political interference. He pointed to past events, such as those witnessed on May 7, 2008, as clear examples of how Hezbollah has altered Lebanon's security and military dynamics.

Regarding fears of political assassinations and violence, Gemayel expressed concern over the shifting dynamics. He noted that Hezbollah’s efforts to assert dominance—if unsuccessful within the government framework—could spill over into security measures, further complicating Lebanon's fragile political landscape.

The MP also emphasized the need for Lebanon’s current government to take decisive action in purging the security and judicial systems, which he claimed were built by the Syrian regime and Hezbollah. He called for the government to focus on national reconstruction, not only in terms of physical infrastructure but also in terms of building a stable Lebanon that would not be a source of concern for the Arab world or the international community.

Turning to local issues, Gemayel discussed the upcoming municipal elections in Beirut. He expressed concern that the delicate power-sharing arrangement in the Beirut municipality could be at risk, a system imposed by the late Prime Minister Rafik Hariri and protected by the electoral force of the Lebanese people.

"There is a danger to this power-sharing, and if the balance is broken, it could lead to a new phase with demands that we are better off without," Gemayel warned. He expressed his belief that former Prime Minister Saad Hariri, who has the ability and the will to preserve this arrangement, is committed to maintaining it.

Gemayel also criticized the corruption within Beirut’s municipality, which he said is damaging the trust of both Christian and Muslim citizens in the city’s administration.

On the topic of alliances, Gemayel stated there is no objection to cooperation with the Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) in developmental matters. He noted that the current political climate seems more conducive to such alliances than the previous administration.

Regarding the broader regional context, Gemayel spoke about the ongoing changes in Syria and their impact on Lebanon. He acknowledged a significant shift in Syria but stressed that Lebanon's sovereignty remains intact.

"For the first time, I feel that the Lebanese entity is so fortified that there is no longer a risk of merging the Lebanese and Syrian entities," he said, reiterating that the direction is now firmly focused on reinforcing Lebanon’s independence and sovereignty.

Gemayel took the opportunity to reflect on the enduring legacy of his late father, President-elect Bachir Gemayel, whose vision for Lebanon continues to inspire his political journey.

"I tell Sheikh Bachir, you were right," Gemayel said, lamenting the 40 years of conflict, destruction, and missed opportunities that Lebanon has endured since his father’s assassination.

"Had we implemented Bachir Gemayel’s project in 1982 and remained faithful to it, we would have spared ourselves 40 years of ruin, wars, and hardships," he remarked.

Concluding his remarks, Gemayel reaffirmed his commitment to his father's principles, believing they provide the only viable path forward for Lebanon.

"Sticking to Bachir's principles is what has brought us here today," he said. "His primary criterion was always the Lebanese criterion, and it is this path that will lead Lebanon to a strong state, peace, development, and national unity."