Kataeb Leader Political Advisor Sassine Sassine emphasized that the events leading up to the war in Gaza illustrate a pattern of negotiations and ceasefire that have proven ineffective.

He pointed out that the same scenario is now repeating itself in the context of the war in Lebanon, noting that he does not see any positive outlook for negotiations aimed at achieving a ceasefire in the country.

In an interview with "MTV," he stated, “There is no real mandate for House Speaker Nabih Berri; the Iranians are directly intervening in the negotiations and also in appointing Hezbollah leaders. Therefore, there must be solutions and a genuine intention to stop the war, which has led to destruction, death, and devastation.”

Regarding Hezbollah's withdrawal to the northern Litani, he questioned the utility of its combat capabilities: “What will it do with its military capabilities? Will it direct them against the Lebanese interior?”

He added, “Hezbollah should hand over its weapons to the Lebanese Army.”

Sassine noted that UNSC Resolution 1701 calls for disarming armed groups in favor of the Lebanese state, along with the implementation of Resolutions 1559 and 1680.

He cautioned that Hezbollah’s withdrawal to the northern Litani would create an internal crisis.

Discussing U.S. support for Israel, he said, “The Biden administration is sending weapons to Israel, as it did during the strike on Iran by mobilizing its naval fleet. The election of Donald Trump or Kamala Harris will not change anything, as neither will withdraw their absolute support for Israel."

“This war must be stopped, and Hezbollah should take a courageous stance by declaring that it operates under the authority of the Lebanese State. This would help ensure the security of its supportive environment and all Shiites in Lebanon. If this stance is adopted, it would represent a national position that would allow the State to benefit from its capabilities," he said.

“The roadmap requires Hezbollah to have the full courage to take a national stance that restores the country’s vitality through the proper functioning of official institutions, leading to the election of a president and the formation of a new government. This will spare Lebanon further destruction and ruin," Sassine noted.

Regarding Hezbollah’s obstruction of state institutions, he asserted that for 19 years, Hezbollah has impeded the formation of governments by demanding the inclusion of an ‘Army, People, and Resistance’ clause or a ministerial portfolio.

He also highlighted that Hezbollah has stalled the presidential election process by insisting on Michel Aoun’s candidacy.

He noted that this obstruction has led to increased economic and political problems, contributing to the devastation Lebanon is experiencing today.

Addressing Iranian intervention in the ceasefire, Sassine pointed out that the decision does not rest with House Speaker Nabih Berri or Prime Minister Najib Mikati to end the war.

He mentioned that summoning the Iranian chargé d'affaires has been ineffective since the decision is in the hands of the Iranian leadership, which is responsible for this matter.

Regarding the role of the Kataeb Party during this phase, he confirmed that all efforts made by the party leader, MP Samy Gemayel, to halt the fighting and address the presidential file will continue unabated.

He emphasized that the Kataeb Party has never altered its national course and is actively engaging with all opposition parties and coordinating with them.

On international support for Lebanon, he acknowledged the interest of Saudi Arabia, France, and other countries in the nation, noting that these countries advocate for institutional governance.

Concerning the Paris conference aimed at supporting the army, he stated, “All countries are showing readiness to support the Lebanese Army, provided that a ceasefire is established and UNSC Resolution 1701 is implemented, restoring state authority across all Lebanese territory. However, these countries will not take this step without a comprehensive resolution to the issue of illegal weapons.”