Beirut: Lebanese Kataeb Party leader Samy Gemayel warned that Lebanon will find no relief from Israeli strikes or economic collapse as long as Hezbollah maintains its arsenal, accusing the group of holding the State hostage and blocking any path to recovery. In an interview on LBCI, Gemayel asserted that the international community has made it clear no financial aid or support will be forthcoming until the issue of Hezbollah's weapons is resolved, a stance he said is crippling a government otherwise capable of reform.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Gemayel emphasized that Hezbollah's insistence on maintaining its military arsenal prevents Lebanon from moving forward. He pointed out that international and regional parties visiting Lebanon have acknowledged that no support conferences or aid will occur until the weapons issue is resolved. Gemayel expressed concern that Hezbollah's actions are leading the nation towards a new catastrophe.
Gemayel argued that Hezbollah's arms have become a pretext for Israeli strikes and impede progress on various fronts, such as border demarcation and reducing tensions in southern Lebanon. He noted that Hezbollah's weapons serve more as a justification for Israeli aggression rather than providing Lebanon with defense.
He proposed a phased roadmap for disarmament and stressed the necessity of Hezbollah's agreement to relinquish its weapons for genuine national dialogue. Gemayel also called for exclusive state control over arms, highlighting that Hezbollah's refusal to cooperate with UNIFIL has prolonged Lebanon's vulnerability.
Addressing Hezbollah's supporters, Gemayel extended a hand, suggesting a genuine alternative that guarantees safety. He mentioned that some figures from Hezbollah and the Amal Movement have responded positively to his proposal, indicating potential for constructive dialogue.
Despite describing the current government as competent, Gemayel noted that its efforts are hindered by the weapons issue, which blocks funding and international support. He praised the Justice Minister for efforts to relaunch investigations into critical cases, but acknowledged that Lebanon's institutions face challenges from entrenched political and economic interests.
Gemayel also called for the deportation of undocumented displaced Syrians and expressed hope for positive developments regarding Palestinian arms. He criticized the high cost of airline tickets on Middle East Airlines, describing it as a crime against Lebanese expatriates.
Regarding municipal elections, Gemayel noted that results were driven by local concerns and clarified that his party did not ally with Hezbollah in Zahle. Looking ahead, he urged resolution of Lebanon's conflicts to join a broader Arab peace dynamic and called for a national conference for systemic political reform.
Gemayel rejected delays in parliamentary elections under the pretext of revising the electoral law, emphasizing the need to resolve issues to open negotiations and integrate Lebanon into the Arab peace dynamic.