Kataeb Lawmaker Elias Hankach said that the delegation of opposition MPs is still in Washington, with an opportunity to meet with key figures within the Biden administration and update them on the latest developments in Lebanon.

Speaking in an interview with Al-Jadeed, Hankach considered that the Lebanese army has consistently proven its capability to protect Lebanon each time it intervenes to defend the nation, despite criticisms regarding its armament.

Regarding the Syrian refugee crisis, Hankach pointed out that the common factor among those who sacrificed their lives is their demand for the withdrawal of the Syrian army from Lebanon.

"Today, there are urgent issues, and unless addressed through war, they attempt to be resolved peacefully amidst the deterioration that Lebanon is experiencing," he stated.

Hankach noted that General Security is beginning to exercise its authority.

"Today, we are witnessing a step forward because it is evident that the entire world has abandoned Lebanon on the issue of displacement, and no one wants to shoulder responsibility," he explained.

"Since 2012, we, as the Kataeb party, have discussed the Syrian presence in our political office and have engaged with various international capitals, especially in Europe. We believe it is our duty not just to score points. Those who had a different view in the past have now realized the gravity of the situation. Today, no Lebanese can bear the pressure of displacement, especially given our delicate security, economic, and social situation," he explained.

Hankach urged the international community and influential capitals involved in the Syrian refugee crisis to resolve it.

"We have a detailed explanation with figures about the situation of Lebanese and displaced individuals, and we demand that aid be linked to the repatriation of Syrians," he said.

He emphasized that the Syrian regime holds the card of displaced persons against the international community's interests today, as it does not want them to return due to the sectarian-Alawite composition, while the displaced are predominantly Sunni.

He argued that the regime will not lend this card to those in Lebanon who engage with it but rather negotiate with the international and American communities holding a significant card, with the Lebanese people being the primary victims.

He stressed that the failure to implement international resolutions is the cause of the ongoing deterioration, expressing his belief that as long as Rafah remains turbulent, a settlement will not be close, and therefore, escalation at the borders will continue.