Lebanon’s Kataeb Party urges neutrality, reform, and focus on national security amid regional tensions

BEIRUT — Amid shifting geopolitical dynamics and their potential impact on Lebanon, the Kataeb Party’s Political Bureau convened its weekly meeting, led by party chief MP Samy Gemayel. In a statement, the party commended the government of President Joseph Aoun, a Syriac Maronite, for its firm commitment to neutrality in ongoing regional conflicts while reiterating its call for exclusive state authority over decisions of war and peace.

The Kataeb Party also urged Hezbollah to immediately surrender its arms to the Lebanese Army, sever external ties, and reintegrate fully into state institutions.

Highlighting the need to shield citizens from potential security risks, the party demanded a national emergency plan. It criticized the government for failing to remove hazardous materials still present at Beirut Port, calling for urgent Cabinet action to prevent further dangers.

The statement underscored the necessity of coordinated political, security, and diplomatic efforts to ensure a safe environment for residents, expatriates, and tourists, particularly during the summer season.

The Kataeb Party welcomed recent diplomatic appointments after an eight-year impasse but called for the swift resolution of pending judicial and administrative appointments to restore public trust in the judiciary.

Parliament was urged to prioritize critical reform legislation, including laws on judicial independence, banking restructuring, and lifting banking secrecy. The party also called on the government to address the financial gap law as a key measure to revive the economy and demonstrate Lebanon’s commitment to reform to the international community.