Lebanese Kataeb Party leader Samy Gemayel has renewed his call for the liberation of Lebanon from a destructive conflict in which it has no stake, reiterating that the Lebanese people are bearing the brunt of a geopolitical struggle.
Speaking in an interview with Al-Arabiya, Gemayel stated that Lebanon is being held hostage by a power struggle between Israel and Iran, fought on its own soil, leading to the collapse of State institutions and the hijacking of national decision-making. He warned that Lebanon’s presidential seat is currently controlled by Iran and will remain so until Tehran decides to release its grip on the country.
"Lebanon is paying a heavy price through destruction, displacement, and chaos, all to serve Iran’s interests and to allow Hezbollah to continue defending Iran," he stated.
Before the assassination of key Hezbollah leaders, Gemayel explained, voices close to the militant group were calling for a ceasefire, with some hope for a resolution. However, after the killings, Iran took direct control of Hezbollah, further entrenching its influence.
"Now, more than ever, Hezbollah’s decision to exit the war is in Iran’s hands. Tehran is intent on seeing Lebanon devastated, with its people paying the price," he said.
Gemayel also addressed the recent stance by Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati who condemned the Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf's statement that Tehran is ready to negotiate with France regarding the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
"Mikati's position on Iran is important, and we welcomed it, even though it came late. What matters is that it came at all," Gemayel said.
He underscored the urgency for both international and Arab support, calling on the global community to recognize the gravity of Lebanon's situation.
"Lebanon is facing an unprecedented massacre. The State, infiltrated and weakened, is incapable of taking any firm decisions, even though this is its duty," Gemayel stated. "It is time for everyone to show the courage to save Lebanon."
Gemayel also pointed to the recent departure of large numbers of Syrian refugees from Lebanon, which, he argued, confirmed what the Kataeb Party had been saying for years: that the presence of these refugees was primarily due to economic factors.
He called for the restoration of Lebanon's sovereignty as quickly as possible and insisted that the Lebanese army must be the only armed force in the country, a key step in rebuilding the state and preventing further violations.
"We need Lebanon to become a true State again, like all other nations," he urged. "A State with full sovereignty, defined and protected borders, the exclusive right to make decisions on war and peace, and the ability to revive its economy."
Gemayel concluded with a call for decisive steps, insisting that only by regaining sovereignty and re-establishing State authority could Lebanon begin its recovery from this period of crisis. --- Kataeb English
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