Kataeb MP Salim Sayegh addressed the pressing issues surrounding Hezbollah's military actions and the ongoing conflict that is battering Lebanon, highlighting the gravity of Israel's actions in Gaza and Lebanon.

As he utterly condemned Israel's attacks on civilian infrastructure and disproportionate use of force, Sayegh argued that, even without an explicit intent to commit genocide, the consequences of the current conflict could lead to large-scale displacement and violence against specific ethnic and religious groups.

He, therefore, expressed concern that the war between Israel and Hezbollah might escalate into genocidal acts, targeting entire populations in Lebanon.

In an interview on LBCI, Sayegh underscored that Israel's bombing campaigns, which indiscriminately target civilian areas, represent a dangerous escalation in the conflict, warning that Lebanon is now facing a "perilous phase". He urged adherence to the regulations governing warfare as outlined in international charters, warning that the conflict is slipping into lawlessness and ethical violations.

Sayegh criticized Hezbollah's unilateral decision to engage in a war against Israel, arguing that this action lacks legitimacy and compromises Lebanon's sovereignty. He stressed that international resolutions, such as UN Resolution 1701, have not been fully respected, allowing Hezbollah to act outside the framework of established peace agreements. 

He also addressed the broader implications of the conflict, questioning Hezbollah's motives in the region.

"If you are serious about liberating Jerusalem, you had a historic opportunity on October 7 to take decisive action rather than provoke Israel into further violence against Lebanon," he said in an address to Hezbollah's leadership, asserting that the group's actions have exacerbated tensions, leading to increased suffering for all Lebanese civilians.

The lawmaker emphasized that the responsibility for casualties lies heavily on Hezbollah, which he accused of using civilians as human shields and strategically placing military assets in populated areas.

"Is it reasonable for Hezbollah to position military targets among civilians?" he asked, condemning the tactics employed by the group as morally indefensible.

Sayegh also raised concerns about the long-term repercussions of the current conflict, warning of a potential campaign to re-engineer populations in the region, similar to actions observed in Syria under the regime of Bashar Assad. He underscored the need for immediate international attention to the targeting of civilian areas, warning that this could have long-term implications for the future of Lebanon and its people.

"The systematic targeting of civilian areas raises questions about the future of Lebanon and its inhabitants," he remarked, calling for urgent international attention to these developments.

Furthermore, Sayegh reiterated that the Lebanese state must reclaim its authority and control over the territory, as Hezbollah's actions undermine the government's ability to provide security and stability. He highlighted that the Lebanese people deserve a government that can protect their rights and interests without the interference of armed non-state actors.

As the situation unfolds, Sayegh warned that military confrontations will not yield a decisive outcome, stressing that Lebanon's stability hinges on the restoration of trust among its citizens and the rebuilding of state authority.

"We want Lebanon to play a role in peace, not to become a permanent battleground," he declared, advocating for a society where all citizens can coexist without fear of violence or armed conflict.

Turning to the ongoing presidential election stalemate, Sayegh called for the immediate election of a new head of state without awaiting a ceasefire, pointing out that the balance of power in the Parliament is not the same on the field.

"The balance of power in Parliament is known and could bring Jihad Azour to the presidency. Therefore, Speaker Nabih Berri must commit to securing the quorum, and I am ready to accompany Hezbollah MPs to vote and elect a president."