Kataeb Lawmaker Selim Sayegh highlighted that the Americans have pledged to provide assurances to Israel in the ceasefire agreement, allowing it freedom of action if it suspects any issue, especially if its demands are not met by the oversight committee. 

In an interview with Al Jadeed TV, he said: "Parliament had no role in discussing the ceasefire agreement, nor were we briefed on the mediation process between Hezbollah/Iran and Israel."

"If this is an international agreement, it should be approved by Parliament. If it is an annex that does not require parliamentary approval, it would still be politically beneficial to discuss it to strengthen the positions of the Prime Minister and Speaker of Parliament in their mediation efforts between Hezbollah and Israel," he added.

 "With the implementation mechanisms now in effect, and as the committee has yet to assume its duties while the army continues its phased deployment, gaps remain, causing some chaos. The army is doing commendable work, and we have full confidence in it. However, no timeline has been set for the Israeli withdrawal," Sayegh stated.

Commenting on Hezbollah Secretary-General Cheikh Naim Qassem's declaration of victory, Sayegh stated: "I do not see the ceasefire agreement confirming or reflecting Cheikh Naim Qassem's claims of victory. Israel will not withdraw until the dismantling of Hezbollah’s military infrastructure south of the Litani River is completed."

"Within 60 days, all unauthorized weapons will be confined to the state’s authority. The agreement specifically identifies Lebanese official institutions authorized to possess arms, preventing Hezbollah from circumventing the restrictions through Cabinet statements. This effectively nullifies the 'Army, People, and Resistance' formula, placing Lebanon’s southern border under international supervision led by the United States, not the UN," he indicated.

Sayegh further noted that Speaker Nabih Berri acted as an intermediary for Hezbollah rather than a fully authorized negotiator, as he conveyed Hezbollah's clarifications and observations without unilateral decision-making authority.

He emphasized that the agreement aims to ensure the proper implementation of UNSC Resolution 1701, which is binding. The state’s actions will align with international execution mechanisms for this enforceable resolution, grounded in principles of public international law.

He stated: "Lebanon endorsed the agreement within the government, but it was Hezbollah that conducted the negotiations. The current arrangements clarify ambiguities surrounding the implementation of UNSC Resolution 1701. The agreement’s preamble explicitly references this resolution and related decisions, particularly regarding the disarmament of armed groups. This means that UNSC Resolution 1559 applies across Lebanon, not just the south—a point Lebanon initially rejected but has now clarified."

Sayegh added: "The terms of the agreement do not reflect the victory Cheikh Naim Qassem spoke of."

He rejected the rhetoric of triumph for a specific party or faction, stating: "We must chart a roadmap that ensures Lebanon’s collective victory. Had Cheikh Naim Qassem presented his points without a tone of defiance or threat, we would have responded differently."

Sayegh acknowledged a qualitative shift in Cheikh Naim Qassem’s discourse: "He has always been Hezbollah’s foremost political figure and coordinator of parliamentary and ministerial affairs. Now, he speaks the language of politics, which we must engage with. His narrative about ending the war of support for Palestine and justifying its conclusion aligns with our long-held view: supporting the Palestinian cause should not turn Lebanon into a launchpad for rockets but rather restore Beirut’s historic role as a platform for advocating just causes."

On the presidential elections, Sayegh expressed optimism for electing a president during the January 9 session: "There is no alternative to electing a president. We must fulfill our internal commitments and, with the restoration of institutional integrity, work toward reforming the system. Before the session, we must examine whether we are ready to govern ourselves, transitioning from international oversight, which replaced Iranian guardianship, to a fully sovereign state."

He added: "We discussed with French envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian the need for a mission-oriented president committed to implementing the agreement, reassuring all Lebanese groups, and fostering true civil peace."

Sayegh emphasized the importance of electing a president who builds trust domestically and internationally, respects constitutional legitimacy, and unites rather than divides.

On extending the term of Army Commander General Joseph Aoun, Sayegh clarified: "No request has been made for such an extension. If similar conditions arise as those that justified the first extension, we would support it again."

Addressing Cheikh Naim Qassem, Sayegh said: "Your political approach has failed, destroying Lebanon. However, your commitment to the agreement, cooperation with the army, recognition of the importance of prosperity, and willingness to engage within the framework of the constitution are noteworthy."

He advocated adopting Switzerland’s model of national defense, stating: "Those clinging to weapons lack trust in the state and the army. Restoring this trust requires clear decisions on disarmament. Individual arms, part of Lebanese tradition, can be regulated under a strategy led by the Lebanese army. "

"However, all organized weaponry must be dismantled to build a state. While the people’s right to self-defense is sacred, this must align with state-led efforts. Allowing every faction to maintain its resistance capabilities undermines statehood," Sayegh concluded.