In an interview with "Al-Siyasa", Kataeb Political Bureau Member Rita Boulos expressed her dismay over "the assassinations, destruction, and harm affecting civilians in Lebanon, who are bearing the cost of a war they did not choose."

She pointed out that "the cause is clear and known, stemming from Hezbollah's involvement of Lebanon in a war and an uncertain fate."

Boulos voiced hope that "all diplomatic efforts will work toward de-escalating the situation in Lebanon, establishing a ceasefire, and preventing the region from descending into a full-scale war, as the Lebanese people can no longer endure further tragedies and collapses."

She further expressed her hope that "Lebanon will have a State that alone protects its people, land, and sovereignty, to restore stability to the country."

She added, "When we demanded the full implementation of UNSC Resolution 1701, we were accused of treason. Today, sadly, the government and officials have delayed in calling for Resolution 1701's enforcement. However, we hope that their current calls for its implementation are sincere and not merely for securing a temporary truce."

Boulos continued, "Lebanon's commitment to international resolutions would safeguard its sovereignty and people."

She emphasized that "the decision is no longer in Hezbollah's hands but in Iran's, which will decide whether or not to cease hostilities."

Boulos stressed the need to make a stand against Iranian interference to protect Lebanon, noting that "the battle today is not between Muslims and Christians; it is a battle for Lebanon’s existence and the preservation of its identity."

She argued that neutrality is one of the proposed solutions, but that the optimal solution lies in the presence of a State that can reclaim its authority and shield Lebanon from foreign conflicts.

She affirmed that the Lebanese people are not at fault for the current situation in Lebanon.

"For whom are we paying this price, and for whose agenda?" she asked.

She stated, “Hezbollah has entangled Lebanon in foreign conflicts, positioning Iran at the negotiation table as a bargaining chip to secure regional and international gains at the expense of the Lebanese people’s future.”

Boulos emphasized that “the primary concern today is for the Lebanese identity, as this conflict has spared no one—it has affected all of Lebanon, with every citizen suffering directly or indirectly.”

She continued, “Hezbollah made the decision to drag the country into a war without consulting the state, the government, the military, or its partners in the nation, under the pretext of supporting Gaza and easing its destruction. However, it has instead drawn Israel to attack Lebanon and devastate its regions.”

She noted, “Hezbollah’s slogan ‘We protect and build’ was merely an electoral catchphrase, as evidenced by the current reality we are enduring.”

Boulos pointed out that “the Lebanese people and the residents of the affected villages are left in a state of confusion; we have all been thrust into an uncertain fate due to Hezbollah’s actions.”

She stressed that “the priority must be to restore order within institutions, beginning with the election of a president, strengthening the military, and forming a government to reassert the power of the State and extend its control over all Lebanese territories.”

Regarding the presidential elections, she indicated that “the responsibility does not lie with all parties but rather with specific obstructionists, who alone bear the blame for the presidential vacuum.”

“The call for electing a president should be made within the parliament, not through speeches,” she stated. “Operating outside institutions is unacceptable, and disregarding the constitution is no longer tolerable.”

Boulos argued that “the other side has no interest in electing a president. Its sole aim is to paralyze institutional work because it does not want a strong state. On the contrary, for years, it and its allies have worked to weaken the state in favor of establishing a parallel state.”

When asked about the presidential candidates, she affirmed “the opposition’s consistent stance on its candidate.”

As for the Army Commander, she noted, “there is no issue with any individual. What matters to the Kataeb Party is a president committed to sovereignty and statehood, someone strong and capable of making decisive and rescue-oriented decisions.”

Boulos confirmed that “the Kataeb Party maintains a very positive relationship with all those aligned on a sovereign and national path, including the Lebanese Forces.”

She clarified that “our disagreements with other parties in the country are not personal but rather political, based on differing approaches.”

“We hope that international efforts will prioritize the Lebanese cause as a standalone concern, separate from other conflicts and arenas,” she concluded.