In a crucial meeting with U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein on Wednesday, a delegation of Lebanese opposition lawmakers delivered a firm message, voicing strong opposition to Lebanon being entangled in the ongoing conflict and stressing the importance of steering the country clear of it.

The delegation, comprising MPs Elias Hankach, Georges Adwan, Fouad Makhzoumi, and Michel Doueihy, met Hochstein at the Lebanese Parliament, where they conveyed their concerns about Lebanon's precarious position amid rising tensions in the Middle East and urged for the country’s interests to be prioritized above regional dynamics.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation following the meeting, MP Georges Adwan stressed that while there is a longstanding Lebanese consensus on opposition to Israel and its policy in the region, this stance should not be misconstrued as an endorsement of Lebanon's involvement in conflicts that jeopardize national security.

"The decision of war and peace must rest in the hands of the state, made solely with Lebanon's interests in mind," Adwan stated. "We cannot tie the nation's interests to any external agenda, especially one dictated by figures like [Hamas leader] Yahya Sinwar or Iran."

"We are against violence in Gaza and support a two-state solution. However, Lebanon's interests must come first, and we strongly oppose dragging the country into a war that serves no national interest."

The MPs conveyed to Hochstein their firm stance against any escalation of the conflict that could draw Lebanon into broader hostilities, particularly those influenced by external forces.

"We informed Hochstein that we are against expanding the conflict and escalating tensions," Adwan said. "Lebanon must avoid being dragged into an unnecessary war, and we support any initiative aimed at this end."

"Our duty is to reflect the will of those who elected us, and they have made it clear that Lebanon's interests come first. We reject any external influence that compromises this," Adwan added.

The lawmakers also called on the Lebanese government to take decisive action by fully implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which calls for the disarmament of all militias in Lebanon, including Hezbollah, and the restoration of government authority over all Lebanese territory.

"It is essential that only the Lebanese state controls all arms within the country. The government's role in safeguarding our borders and ensuring national security must be reinforced," Adwan noted, criticizing Hezbollah’s dominance over the caretaker government.

Adwan's remarks reflect a deepening frustration with the current political deadlock in Lebanon, where a caretaker government under the influence of Hezbollah has struggled to assert control over national defense matters. Adwan criticized the government's failure to address the issue of war and peace in Parliament, underscoring the need for urgent political reform.

"There is a clear dominance of Hezbollah over the caretaker government, and even the prime minister has admitted that the decision of war and peace is not in his hands," Adwan said.

The opposition lawmakers concluded by calling for the full implementation of Resolution 1701, the restoration of state institutions, the election of a president, and the formation of a government capable of steering Lebanon away from further instability.