Kataeb Party leader Samy Gemayel said Lebanon must move forward with restoring state sovereignty regardless of regional dynamics, stressing that the country’s path should not be tied to parallel negotiations elsewhere.

“Restoring state sovereignty will move ahead independently of what’s happening in Islamabad,” he said in an interview with Al-Jadeed TV.

Gemayel said Hezbollah’s weapons cannot be treated as a negotiable right.

“This is not a right. It’s a violation of the law and the constitution,” he said. “It cannot be traded for anything else."

He argued that any debate over Lebanon’s political system should come only after all weapons are brought under state control.

“We can discuss reforms and the political system after the weapons are handed over,” he said, warning against a recurring pattern in which marginalized groups seek foreign backing.

“At every stage in Lebanon’s history, when a group felt wronged, it turned abroad for support,” he said.

“We need a new framework; one that begins with a conference for truth and reconciliation,” he added, calling for an updated approach based on the Taif Agreement.

“Disarmament must come first — then we can sit down and address discrepancies.”

Gemayel voiced support for Joseph Aoun, saying the president should be allowed to lead ongoing negotiations aimed at ending the war, securing an Israeli withdrawal, and restoring full state authority.

“The president knows exactly what he’s doing. He is constitutionally responsible for this file and has a mandate from the Lebanese people,” he said. “We need to support him and avoid any steps that could weaken him.”

He also backed Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, noting that both officials are negotiating on behalf of the state under mounting pressure.

“There is pressure on President Aoun from all sides — the United States, Israel, and Hezbollah — and that only reinforces that his decisions are independent and in Lebanon’s best interest,” he said.

Gemayel sharply criticized Hezbollah, accusing it of undermining the negotiation process.

“The president is negotiating on behalf of Lebanon and its people, while Hezbollah negotiates with Iran’s interests first and foremost,” he said, adding that the group is effectively “handing over the fate of Lebanon and the Shiite community to Iran in both war and negotiations.”

He stressed the need to distinguish between Hezbollah and Lebanon’s Shiite community.

“The problem is not with the Shiites; it’s with an armed faction tied to Iran,” he said, accusing Hezbollah of fueling sectarian tensions.

Gemayel said the Shiite community bears responsibility in helping shift the country’s direction.

“There is a responsibility on the Shiite community to recognize that the issue lies with Hezbollah and Iran, not with the sect itself,” he said, adding that he does not believe Hezbollah represents all Shiites.

While describing himself as “one of Hezbollah’s fiercest opponents,” Gemayel emphasized that Shiites are an integral part of Lebanon’s social fabric.

“They are our people and a founding component of this country. We want a genuine partnership with all Lebanese,” he said, calling on leaders, including Speaker Nabih Berri and the broader Shiite public, to reject armed confrontation.

He warned against embracing what he called Hezbollah’s “logic of death,” urging supporters of the Amal Movement to avoid being drawn into regional conflicts.

“Otherwise, there is a real threat to Lebanon’s unity,” he said.

He added that he recently met Saudi envoy Prince Yazid bin Farhan, who, he said, expressed “full support” for President Aoun’s approach.

“There is no Saudi reservation — quite the opposite,” he said. “Lebanon has paid a heavy price, and it has the right to end the conflict and protect itself. We’re tired of wars. We want the south to become the most prosperous region in the country.”

Gemayel described Aoun’s strategy as “the right path,” adding that Saudi Arabia and other Arab states would play a key role in reconstruction.

“Saudi Arabia’s support for Lebanon is well known. They care about its unity and will be among the first to stand by us,” he said.

He warned that Lebanon cannot remain hostage to Hezbollah’s decisions on war and peace.

“Are we supposed to stay captive to a group that decides when there’s war, a ceasefire, or peace?” he asked. “The state must reclaim that authority, and Hezbollah must comply — one way or another.”

Gemayel said most Lebanese oppose the presence of weapons outside state control, arguing that failure to act would leave the country exposed to instability and foreign influence.

“Either we remain hostage to an Iranian decision to open or close war fronts, or the state takes responsibility and moves to assert control over weapons,” he said.

He added that future negotiations should also address border demarcation, Palestinian refugees, Israeli airspace violations, and unresolved maritime issues, while opening the door to economic cooperation.

“Lebanon needs to reconnect with the Arab world and take part in the region’s economic opportunities,” he said. “That’s how we serve Lebanon’s long-term interests.”

Gemayel concluded by saying Lebanon has endured decades of regional conflict and deserves a different future.

“We’ve paid the price for 50 years. We have the right to end this reality and pursue our national interest,” he said, calling for continued support for Aoun’s efforts to secure a ceasefire, an Israeli withdrawal, and broader stability.