NNA - The Kataeb’s political bureau held its weekly meeting under the chairmanship of the party leader, Samy Gemayel. After discussing the latest developments, the following statement was issued:

Lebanon is going through a critical and highly sensitive phase that necessitates heightened awareness and a profound sense of patriotism. The Kataeb Party condemns Israel's violation of human life and property, as well as the forced displacement of entire areas. It also denounces any ground invasion that that Israel plans to undertake under any guise or pretext. The party urges the international community to stand firmly against and prevent Israel from entering Lebanese territory, as our land is not open for any foreign army to desecrate its soil and trample upon.

At the same time, the Kataeb Party calls on Hezbollah and its allies to return to Lebanon’s fold, and adhere to its constitution and its institutions, as the reality has shown that no Lebanese can rely on anyone other than their fellow compatriots, regardless of sect or affiliation.

In these decisive times, the Kataeb Party addresses Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, urging him to exercise his authority by declaring an immediate ceasefire, fully committing to its enforcement, implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701, deploying the army along the border, and requesting international assistance to support its mandated mission. The party also calls for the reinforcement of UNIFIL's forces to help implement the international resolution under the auspices of the United Nations and the international community.

Moreover, the Kataeb Party appeals to Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri to convene a parliamentary session, enabling MPs to fulfill their role during these pivotal circumstances. The party also calls on him to exercise his national duty and seize the moment to halt this cycle of bloodshed by leveraging his relationship with Hezbollah to persuade them to abandon this perilous venture and place their trust in the Lebanese Army and their own people. This would not be a sign of defeat, but rather a moral and conscientious stance that would spare us further losses and tragedies, in line with the important official positions issued yesterday that call for the immediate implementation of international resolutions, particularly Resolution 1701. -- Kataeb.org

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