Kataeb presses government to issue clear orders to army on weapons control, Hezbollah operations
The Kataeb's Political Bureau, chaired by party leader Samy Gemayel, held its weekly meeting to discuss the grave security and political developments in Lebanon and issued the following statement:
1. The Political Bureau reaffirms its support for any initiative aimed at ending the war, but stresses that such efforts will remain ineffective unless the State fully asserts its authority over its territory and exercises its sovereign powers.
The party calls on the government to issue clear executive orders and provide explicit instructions to the army and security forces to immediately enforce the decisions to control weapons and prohibit Hezbollah’s military and security operations. It also reiterates its call for the Supreme Defense Council to hold open sessions to monitor implementation, evaluate progress, and take all necessary measures to ensure compliance.
2. The Political Bureau warns against attempts to reintroduce a climate of intimidation into Lebanon's political life, particularly in light of threats by the deputy head of Hezbollah’s political council, Mahmoud Qomati, to destabilize and overthrow the State.
The Bureau expresses concern over the potential recurrence of events similar to May 7, 2008, citing reports of surveillance cameras being turned off in several areas of Beirut, leaving them exposed to suspicious movements. The party asserts that Lebanese citizens have the right to clear explanations from security forces and to see swift action to halt these provocations, beginning with heightened security deployments and checkpoints across the country.
3. The party hails the resilience of southern Lebanon residents, who have chosen to stay in their land despite heavy bombardment and extremely difficult conditions. Their steadfastness is a powerful expression of attachment to land and identity.
The Political Bureau, briefed on local and diplomatic efforts led by the party leader in support of these communities, emphasizes that the State bears the responsibility to ensure their full protection and prevent any armed incursions or hostile activity in or around these areas. Such acts could expose residents to additional risks and provide justification for the continuation of the war machinery, destroying villages and displacing their populations.
4. The Political Bureau warns of growing disorder related to displacement and calls on the government to strengthen oversight of shelters, track residents and tenants, and organize living arrangements to prevent their exploitation for armed or illegal activities.
The party also calls for a temporary suspension of the public procurement law to enable municipalities to respond effectively during the crisis and to allow municipal police to work in full coordination with security forces, ensuring proactive measures against any attempts to disrupt public order.
