In an interview, Kataeb Party leader, MP Samy Gemayel, laid out a stark assessment of Lebanon’s current political and security crisis, asserting that no meaningful reforms, economic recovery, political stability, or presidential elections can occur while Hezbollah continues to dominate the country with its arsenal of weapons.
Gemayel’s vision for Lebanon’s recovery begins with uniting the Lebanese people, regardless of sectarian divides, to reclaim the country’s sovereignty. Drawing parallels to the March 14, 2005 movement, which united Lebanese citizens in a non-sectarian struggle for independence from Syrian occupation, he stressed the importance of overcoming the sectarian rhetoric that Hezbollah exploits.
"We must unite and have the courage to tell Hezbollah that we refuse to live as second-class citizens in our country," he stated.
For Gemayel, the solution to Lebanon’s current predicament lies in forcing Hezbollah to make a critical decision: either submit to the authority of the Lebanese state and its constitution, or continue on its current path, which he believes is unsustainable. He outlined several key conditions, including the disarmament of Hezbollah and the handover of its weapons to the Lebanese Army, to ensure equality among all Lebanese citizens. Additionally, he emphasized that decisions regarding war and peace must rest solely in the hands of the Lebanese people.
The Kataeb leader was clear that the country cannot hope to achieve political or economic stability, much less presidential elections, under the current circumstances.
"No reforms, economy, political or security stability, or presidential elections can occur in Lebanon under the dominance of Hezbollah's weapons," he said unequivocally.
Hezbollah’s continued involvement in regional conflicts and its control over Lebanon’s military and security apparatus, Gemayel warned, are driving the nation deeper into instability. The ongoing clashes in southern Lebanon have only heightened fears of an all-out war.
"Since the war broke out, we have been warning of its consequences," Gemayel said, citing two critical incidents—the escalation in Majdal Shams and the Israeli assassinations in Lebanon—as evidence of the potential for disaster. He cautioned that as the conflict drags on, the chances of miscalculations and broader conflict increase.
While there are efforts within the so-called "resistance axis" to secure political gains through a ceasefire agreement, Gemayel vowed to oppose any deal that compromises Lebanon’s sovereignty or hands control of the country to Iran.
"We will oppose any agreement that does not respect Lebanon’s interests, sovereignty, independence, and ability to rise again," he said, deeming any agreement that sacrifices Lebanon’s independence to Hezbollah or its foreign backers is tantamount to inciting civil war.
He also rejected the notion that the political confrontation with Hezbollah should be framed as a sectarian issue, arguing that this approach would be disastrous for Lebanon.
"To say this is a Christian-Shiite confrontation is suicidal for both Christians and Shiites, as well as for Lebanon," he declared. Instead, he emphasized that this is a national issue that affects all Lebanese, and the struggle to reclaim the country must be waged by all citizens, united across sects and regions.
Gemayel also sounded the alarm against any attempts to reform Lebanon’s political system while Hezbollah remains in control.
"The political system must not be changed while Hezbollah controls Lebanon," he asserted. According to him, discussing federalism or decentralization under the current circumstances would only serve to divide the Lebanese further, weakening their ability to resist Hezbollah’s dominance.
"Hezbollah will not allow federalism or decentralization as long as it controls the country. We must unite and remove external control over Lebanon before we can discuss political system projects."
Turning to the arrest of former Central Bank Governor Riad Salameh, Gemayel expressed skepticism over the seriousness of the Lebanese political establishment’s commitment to accountability.
"The era of impunity will end when those who assassinated Rafik Hariri are imprisoned, not when Riad Salameh is jailed," he said, casting doubt on whether the same system that benefited from Salameh’s tenure at the helm of the Central Bank is truly interested in reform.
He accused the political elite of benefiting from Salameh’s actions during Lebanon’s 2019 financial collapse and pointed out that many of the politicians who are now calling for his arrest were the same ones who extended his term as governor.
"These are the same people responsible for what happened," Gemayel remarked.
The Kataeb chief also touched on the political battle over Lebanon’s presidency, noting that Hezbollah is determined to maintain its grip on power, whether through securing a favorable presidential candidate or by stalling the election altogether.
"Hezbollah is trying to impose its agenda, but it cannot succeed," Gemayel said, highlighting that Hezbollah's main objective is to remain in control, either through a president who serves its interests or by continuing to manage the government in the absence of a president.
One of the most significant political moves against Hezbollah in recent years, according to Gemayel, was the nomination of former minister Jihad Azour for the presidency.
"Without coordination with the Free Patriotic Movement, we would not have been able to mount the battle for Jihad Azour," he explained. This nomination, he noted, demonstrated to the world that Hezbollah no longer holds a parliamentary majority.
Despite strategic differences with the Free Patriotic Movement regarding Hezbollah, Gemayel emphasized the importance of maintaining alliances with other opposition forces, including the Lebanese Forces and change MPs. He believes that only through unity can the Lebanese people stand up to Hezbollah’s dominance and restore the sovereignty of their country.
In conclusion, Gemayel stressed that true reform and accountability in Lebanon will only be possible once the country is free from Hezbollah’s control.
"Under militia rule, accountability is impossible, and economic reform is unachievable," he stated, calling for a fundamental change, starting with the election of a reformist president who has the authority to govern.
Once that is achieved, Gemayel envisions a comprehensive plan for rebuilding Lebanon, including opening up to the private sector, generating electricity, and improving public education.
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