Samy Gemayel, leader of the Kataëb Party, a Christian political faction opposed to Hezbollah and Iran, held discussions on Wednesday in Washington with Massaad Boulos, an advisor to Donald Trump, and Amos Hochstein, the U.S. envoy expected in Jerusalem and Beirut this week.
Samy Gemayel and Amos Hochstein Meet Wednesday in Washington © X
Samy Gemayel, leader of the Kataëb Party, a Christian political faction opposed to Hezbollah and Iran, held discussions on Wednesday in Washington with Massaad Boulos, an advisor to Donald Trump, and Amos Hochstein, the U.S. envoy expected in Jerusalem and Beirut this week.
Hochstein’s visit aims to facilitate a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah amid escalating tensions.
As part of his diplomatic tour, which included stops in Paris and Washington, Gemayel emphasized the importance of protecting Lebanon's sovereignty and national interests during his meeting with Hochstein. The U.S. envoy briefed him on the latest ceasefire efforts, focusing on ongoing diplomatic negotiations.
“The national interests of Lebanon must be represented at any negotiation table,” said Gemayel. “The sovereignty of the state, the restoration of its independent decision-making, and the well-being of the Lebanese people should be central to any agreement that may be reached.”
Gemayel reiterated his demand for the enforcement of United Nations resolutions, which call for the withdrawal of armed groups from a 30-kilometer buffer zone along the Lebanese border and the disarmament of Hezbollah, the last remaining militia in Lebanon.
He underscored that these steps are vital for restoring stability and sovereignty to the country.
Gemayel, the son of former Lebanese President Amine Gemayel (1982–1988) and nephew of President-elect Bachir Gemayel, who was assassinated in 1982 by Syrian forces, carries a political legacy intertwined with Lebanon's struggle for independence and sovereignty.
His stance reflects the Kataëb Party’s historical commitment to a free and neutral Lebanon, free from foreign influence and militias.
Gemayel’s meeting with Hochstein and other U.S. officials underscores Washington’s active engagement in the region, particularly in mediating between conflicting parties.
By Antoine Khoury
Iran and the United States are far from reaching a deal to end the war, a senior Iranian official told Reuters on Tuesday, despite heightened diplomatic efforts to prevent a potential return to active conflict after the US midterm elections.
Outgoing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday called for a broad coalition that excludes Israel’s Arab parties, claiming the right to lead it after his Likud party finished first in the election. The Arab parties, meanwhile, urged the opposition to “accept reality” and rely on their votes.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, in separate meetings with Iranian and Saudi national security officials in Beijing on Monday, said all parties in the Middle East conflict should focus on political solutions rather than resorting to arms again.
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