Joelle Bou Abboud, a member of the Lebanese Kataeb Party’s political bureau, expressed significant concerns over the current negotiations aimed at achieving a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel, remaining skeptical about the prospects of a successful agreement due to the lack of transparency in the ongoing talks and the absence of Lebanon’s official institutions from the process.

"I do not feel optimist regarding the current negotiations. Israel has no interest in a ceasefire unless there is a major settlement. Despite the talk of positive progress, we are still far from reaching a decisive agreement," Bou Abboud said in an interview with Lebanon Debate website. 

"What is happening with these negotiations is disgraceful. No one knows anything. The Lebanese Parliament, which is supposed to represent the people, is completely absent. These negotiations directly impact the future of the Lebanese people, yet agreements are being made in secrecy. We have no idea what terms are being discussed, what has been accepted, or what has been rejected," she noted.

The absence of transparency has led Bou Abboud to question the legitimacy of the negotiations, especially in light of external influences.

"There is a level of audacity in how these negotiations are being conducted," she said. "Who gave the Iranian Supreme Leader and his advisers the right to intervene in these talks? Who allowed them to approve or reject terms, or decide whether to proceed with a ceasefire? This kind of interference is unacceptable."

Bou Abboud’s critique extends to the broader political context, emphasizing the constitutional implications of decisions made without the proper democratic processes in place. She called for the involvement of the Lebanese Parliament in the discussions, urging transparency and accountability.

"We demand that the Lebanese Parliament be involved in these negotiations and be given the right to access the details of the terms under discussion," she said. "Such critical matters should not be decided behind closed doors, as was the case with the maritime border issue."

Highlighting the importance of constitutional adherence, Bou Abboud stressed that Lebanon’s current political vacuum, with no president in office, adds another layer of complexity to the situation.

"Lebanon needs transparency before any major decisions are made, especially in this current phase, which must follow constitutional guidelines," she explained. "How can Lebanon be bound by agreements and decisions that we know nothing about? How can we be forced into a situation where our fate is decided by external forces, especially after being dragged into this war against our will?"