Lebanon’s Kataeb party has issued a formal political statement backing direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel under U.S. sponsorship, framing such talks as essential to achieving a ceasefire, ending cross-border hostilities, and restoring state sovereignty. The statement, released following the party’s weekly Political Bureau meeting chaired by party leader Samy Gemayel, reiterates demands for comprehensive disarmament of unauthorized armed groups and the establishment of a state monopoly over all weapons in Lebanese territory.
The party’s position marks a significant stance within Lebanon’s fractious political landscape, where control over armed forces remains deeply contested. Kataeb argues that direct negotiations with Israel and the elimination of parallel military structures controlled by non-state actors are preconditions for lasting stability in Lebanon and the return of displaced populations to their homes.
Negotiations as Path to Ceasefire and Withdrawal
The Kataeb Political Bureau stated that direct negotiations with Israel represent “the only viable path” toward several key outcomes: a ceasefire agreement, an end to active hostilities, the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied areas in southern Lebanon, the safe return of displaced residents to their villages, and the restoration of broader regional stability.
The party stressed that such negotiations must be framed within the broader goal of achieving sustainable peace in Lebanon. This position reflects Kataeb’s longstanding commitment to Lebanese state authority as the sole arbiter of national defense and foreign policy decisions.
State Disarmament Demands and Accusations Against Hezbollah
The Political Bureau reiterated core demands for the Lebanese state to fully implement decisions mandating the disarmament of all illegal weapons, establish an exclusive state monopoly on arms, and prohibit any military or security activities by Hezbollah across Lebanese territory.
Notably, the statement directly condemned what it characterized as a “campaign of accusations of treason and death threats” directed by Hezbollah against government officials, including the prime minister and president of the republic. Kataeb framed these actions as evidence that the Lebanese state is “progress in reclaiming an independent national decision in foreign policy” and moving away from what it termed the “Iranian-American negotiation track.”
This language reflects deeper tensions over Lebanese autonomy in foreign policy, with Kataeb and allied parties arguing that Hezbollah’s independent military structure undermines Lebanon’s sovereignty and subjects national security decisions to Iranian strategic priorities rather than Lebanese interests.
Beirut Weapons-Free Zone and Army Deployment
The party welcomed the government’s declaration of Beirut as a weapons-free city and the subsequent deployment of army and security forces throughout the capital. Kataeb stated this decision has “generated broad public reassurance and strengthened confidence in the State’s ability to assert sovereignty and ensure stability.”
The Political Bureau confirmed its participation in a conference convened by Beirut MPs in support of government security decisions, particularly those made on August 5 and 7 regarding the state monopoly on arms, as well as the March 2 decision declaring Hezbollah’s military and security activities illegal.
Expanding State Control and Public Health Priorities
Kataeb called for the immediate expansion and reinforcement of army and security force deployment to cover all Lebanese territory, framing this as essential for citizen protection and safeguarding constitutional and state institutions.
In parallel with security matters, the party urged swift establishment of the National Drug Agency, emphasizing the urgent need to appoint agency members and launch immediate operations. The agency would assume responsibility for registering medicines and dietary supplements after verifying their quality and compliance with international standards, as well as monitoring their distribution and pricing.
Health Coverage and Economic Crisis
The Political Bureau stressed the adoption of unified criteria for patient coverage under the Ministry of Public Health, noting a critical gap in the Lebanese healthcare system. More than half of Lebanon’s population currently lacks any form of health insurance, a situation compounded by broader economic conditions affecting both long-term residents and displaced populations seeking refuge in Lebanon.
Conclusion:
The Kataeb statement reflects the party’s strategy of framing state disarmament of non-state actors and direct negotiations with Israel as complementary steps toward Lebanese sovereignty and stability. Whether such negotiations proceed and how other Lebanese political forces respond remain central questions in the ongoing debate over Lebanon’s security architecture and international relations.
