MP Salim Sayegh offered condolences to the families of journalists killed in a recent Israeli strike in southern Lebanon, describing the attack as a “clear-cut war crime” and part of Israel's ongoing record of violations. Sayegh emphasized that journalists, regardless of affiliation, are entrusted with the mission of transmitting information and freedom of expression, which, he said, are vital to Lebanon's identity.

“This assault represents a blatant war crime by Israel, adding to its extensive history of transgressions. Addressing such aggression requires strict adherence to international law, both in wartime and peacetime contexts,” Sayegh said in an interview with Safa News. He urged that a solution be found through international law, namely UN resolutions and the Security Council.

He also criticized Hezbollah’s claim to be Lebanon’s defender, arguing that the group has failed to protect the country and lacks the legitimacy to take on such a role. Sayegh argued that Hezbollah’s role in Lebanon’s defense has failed and that diplomatic and political fallout from this crisis is a result of a conflict Lebanon did not choose.

"Abiding by the international law and returning to Lebanese legitimacy is what provides consistent protection for the nation," he stressed. 

The MP urged a renewed commitment to the Taif Agreement, which mandates that all armed factions in Lebanon should disarm and transfer control of weapons to the state. Sayegh warned that failing to implement these terms could risk Lebanon’s stability and national unity.

“Either we recognize the effectiveness of the Taif Agreement, or we admit its expiration,” he said. “Lebanon must approach this decision from a clear and unified stance.”

Sayegh condemned Hezbollah leaders, including Deputy Secretary-General Naim Qassem, for “acting as spokespersons for Iran” rather than for Lebanon, sayign that recents events have revealed that Hezbollah doesn’t hold the real decision-making power. He added that even when Hezbollah attempted to disconnect its priorities from those of Gaza, to facilitate the presidential election by withdrawing support for Sleiman Frangieh, it was Iran’s Foreign Minister who “brought them back in line."

“The southern suburbs of Beirut are more like Tehran’s suburbs, and border villages serve as Iranian outposts. Every rocket Hezbollah is unable to launch from Iran is fired from Lebanon, with Israeli retaliations targeting Lebanon as a means to directly warn Tehran. Lebanon has become a battlefield where innocent civilians pay the price,” Sayegh said.

Sayegh reaffirmed Lebanon’s long-standing support for the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which mandates the Lebanese Army’s deployment along the southern border and the disarmament of all armed groups. Sayegh contended that Hezbollah had resisted these calls, while international forces stationed in Lebanon “avoided direct confrontation with Hezbollah’s southern infrastructure.”

Sayegh also criticized recent moves by U.S. mediator Amos Hochstein to amend Resolution 1701, arguing that the resolution is adequate as it stands.

“Resolution 1701 is clear: the Lebanese Army should deploy across the country, and all armed groups should disarm. The measures must apply to all groups without further Security Council review,” he said. “Countries now condemning Hezbollah for Lebanon’s crisis must answer for their own prior complacency, having indulged Hezbollah while disregarding the reality of Iranian influence.”

On whether Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri faces assassination risks, Sayegh responded, “We don’t wish harm upon anyone, but in Lebanon, assassinations are often about silencing roles rather than individuals.” He noted that Berri’s political role as Hezbollah’s primary political intermediary has been diminished, as dialogue now increasingly involves Iran directly.

Sayegh argued that Berri could still play a pivotal role in “Lebanonizing” the Shia political position, noting that true protection for the Shia community lies in aligning with the Lebanese state and relinquishing weapons to Lebanese authorities as a means of forestalling internal strife that Israel could exploit.

Sayegh highlighted the impact of the Syrian refugee crisis in Lebanon, particularly in Mount Lebanon, which now hosts approximately 600,000 Syrian refugees in addition to 400,000 internally displaced Lebanese.

“This influx is causing severe social and psychological strain, exacerbated by concerns over potential sleeper cells among the refugees,” he warned, adding that poor conditions in refugee shelters could become critical as winter approaches.

He criticized the government's piecemeal response to the crisis and urged it to implement a comprehensive crisis management strategy as he expressed concern that the situation in Mount Lebanon resembles “a powder keg ready to ignite,” given rising social and economic tensions.

Sayegh concluded with a call for urgent reform in Lebanon's political processes. He stated that Lebanon needs a president who can inspire public trust and work toward a new social contract between the government and its citizens, rather than a leader chosen through backdoor political deals.

“A president should be able to take charge in this crisis and steer Lebanon out of the conflict,” he said, adding that delay in electing a president could lead to further political instability.

Sayegh also voiced concerns about Israel's potential role in shaping Lebanon’s political decisions, citing hypothetical scenarios in which Iranian and Israeli actions might disrupt Lebanon’s presidential election process. He asserted that delaying Lebanon’s electoral decision-making in response to military threats is tantamount to tacit support for Israel’s attempts to destabilize Lebanon's institutions.

With Lebanon on the brink, Sayegh emphasized that the country’s path forward lies in building a foundation of national unity and reform, and in recognizing that the stakes involve Lebanon’s sovereignty and regional stability.