Kataeb leader MP Samy Gemayel is currently on a diplomatic tour in France and the United States, during which he has notably met with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, U.S. President Joe Biden's senior advisor Amos Hochstein, and Head of President-elect Donald Trump’s Arab outreach campaign Massad Boulos who was once considered a potential intermediary in negotiations to end the war in Lebanon.
In an interview with L’Orient-Le Jour, Gemayel shared his vision for the post-war period and the messages he aimed to convey in Paris and Washington.
What is the purpose of your tour in France and the United States?
The aim is to lobby on behalf of Lebanon during this extremely sensitive period. My message to everyone I meet is that this war must not end with a regional and international compromise that ignores the interests of Lebanon and its people. Hezbollah serves Iran’s interests, while Israel serves its own. Meanwhile, no one is speaking about Lebanon’s interests, which are absent from the negotiating table—a tragic situation. To me, the entire objective is to ensure that this period concludes with hope for Lebanon, the hope of building a sovereign state, a state of law, a country reconciled with itself. For me, the objective is to ensure that this period concludes with hope for Lebanon, the hope of building a sovereign state, a state of law, and a country reconciled with itself.
Do you feel that you were heard?
Yes. I managed to convey three very important messages. The first is the urgent need for a ceasefire to halt the destruction and the military operations. I don’t share the view of those who believe the war should continue to eliminate Hezbollah. The destruction of Lebanon, the deaths, the refugees, and entire villages being wiped out—this is a tragedy for the country and the Lebanese people. The longer the war drags on, the more unbearable the situation will become, with the risk of internal Lebanese tensions. However, the ceasefire must not end up strengthening the militia’s hold over Lebanon.
The second message is about defending the absolute sovereignty of the state and the disarmament of all armed militias in Lebanon.