Kataeb MP Salim Sayegh warned that Lebanon's leaders are trapped in illusions as the country faces an unprecedented crisis, with each faction holding on to its own version of reality.

In an interview with Free Lebanon radio station, Sayegh criticized those who either expect a return to Lebanon’s pre-October 7th status quo or envision a radical shift without addressing core issues. He called for placing Lebanon under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter to address what he described as the "failed state."

Sayegh criticized Lebanon’s “illusionary” attempts to mediate between the state and Hezbollah, adding that the group’s decisions are directed by Iran. 

“We are deluded if our failing State believes it can mediate with Hezbollah, which does not hold decision-making power, as that lies with Iran," he said.

The lawmaker voiced support for Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati’s efforts to represent Lebanon away from Iranian influence, praising the latter for trying to show that there is a voice in Lebanon other than Iran’s. However, Sayegh emphasized that Lebanon’s institutions must be fortified, as the State is on the verge of collapse.

"Rather than establishing a political crisis cell to confront the war — which we initially asserted was not in our interest — we find ourselves dealing with its economic, social, and humanitarian repercussions,” Sayegh noted, stressing the need for Lebanon to regain sovereignty in decision-making.

When asked about ceasefire talks, Sayegh expressed frustration over the lack of information.

“We only learn of these negotiations through the media. We don’t know who is negotiating or what the terms are,” he said, criticizing the use of "old tools to approach the future."

He noted that the U.S. currently advocates for reinforcing Lebanese security on its borders, a move Sayegh argued is insufficient.

“The Americans currently advocate for mechanisms like deploying the Lebanese army along the border and strengthening its capabilities. However, this does not serve Lebanon’s interests. Had our opinion been considered, we would have stated that this approach is unworkable, as the State has effectively relinquished its role and handed over decisions of war and peace to Hezbollah," he stated, deploring Lebanon’s over-reliance on international solutions without addressing the underlying challenges.

Reaffirming the Kataeb Party’s stance against the presence of non-state arms, Sayegh rejected any negotiation terms that grant Hezbollah’s weapons legitimacy.

“If I were negotiating today on behalf of the Lebanese State, I would not have accepted the proposed document.”

“Hezbollah must understand that Israel is not interested in a diplomatic or political solution. Prime Minister Mikati acknowledged that the late decision to separate the Lebanese front from Gaza has led to a dead end. Today, the logic of war dominates, and the prevailing force on the ground will dictate terms. This force-based approach will only result in more bloodshed and destruction.”

In a pointed message to Hezbollah, Sayegh urged the group to respect Lebanon’s sovereignty.

“Submit to the authority of the Lebanese State, to its legitimacy and international law, as your alternative approach has proven futile and leads only to ruin,” he said. "Iran does not favor this because it seeks to bargain over Lebanon, even if it is destroyed. Hezbollah thus bears sole responsibility. While we shoulder the social consequences of its decision to go to war, we refuse to bear the political burden. If an imposed reality is forced upon us, separation becomes inevitable. We do not want Lebanon to turn into Gaza.”

Sayegh voiced concerns about U.S. mediator Amos Hochstein’s approach, warning that “whether knowingly or unknowingly, you are handing Lebanon over to Iran.” He argued that if Hochstein’s mediation continues, it would deepen Lebanon’s ties to Iran and perpetuate corruption.

Sayegh warned that any agreement limited to southern Lebanon is a precursor to internal strife, emphasizing that using outdated solutions for future challenges is no longer effective.

Sayegh also highlighted the ongoing mass displacement crisis, noting that communities hosting refugees continue to support the Lebanese army, a role he said Hezbollah has neglected. He called for a shift in approach, urging a focus on long-term stability.