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
Maronite Patriarch Béchara Raï reiterated his support Sunday for the US-brokered framework agreement signed between Lebanon and Israel in late June, describing it during his Sunday homily as a "national path to resolving outstanding issues, consolidating a just, comprehensive and lasting peace, and preserving the state's sovereignty over its entire territory."
President Donald Trump said late on Saturday the U.S. would hold off on a fresh attack on Iran as long as a deal could be reached quickly to halt Iran's nuclear ambitions and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
US embassies in Jerusalem, Baghdad and Amman issued security alerts Saturday urging American citizens to exercise "heightened vigilance," as tensions flare between Iran and the United States. Americans were also told to "consider departing, or be prepared to depart should there be escalation."
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