Kataeb Party stands firm in face of slanderers: Others have vanished, but we remain

The Lebanese Kataeb's Media Department issued a strong condemnation on Monday, rejecting recent accusations made by Hezbollah affiliates against party leader Samy Gemayel. The department denounced the claims as "unacceptable and baseless," framing them as a deliberate effort to muzzle free speech in Lebanon. The party accused Hezbollah's media machine of orchestrating a smear campaign against those who oppose the ongoing conflict, particularly targeting individuals who refuse to support the group's unilateral decision to drag Lebanon into a military confrontation with Israel. The statement singled out political analyst Faisal Abdul Sater, who made derogatory remarks about Gemayel during a recent interview on OTV. The Kataeb Party's Media Department criticized Hezbollah for deploying "its usual band of slanderers" to brand anyone who speaks freely as a traitor, especially those who dissent from the group's actions. "This time, they are targeting those who refuse to support the senseless war that Lebanon has been dragged into without the consent of its people, a war that is consuming the very flesh, capabilities, and lives of its citizens," the statement declared. Addressing Abdul Sater directly, the statement urged him to reconsider his stance, emphasizing that the Kataeb Party's positions are "clear and unequivocal" and need no interpretation-except by those "blinded by a false sense of promised victory." Reiterating its firm opposition to the ongoing conflict, the Kataeb Party stated, "Yes, the Kataeb Party and its leader reject this futile war that has neither saved Gaza nor deterred Israel, but instead has dragged Lebanon into a conflict that serves no purpose for the country." The statement went further, accusing Iran of exploiting the Palestinian cause to advance its own interests, all while negotiating with the United States. The party also condemned Hezbollah for monopolizing decision-making in Lebanon, declaring, "Yes, the Kataeb Party rejects the direct and indirect negotiations that Hezbollah is co nducting, both openly and secretly, on behalf of all Lebanese." The Kataeb Party reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to Lebanon's sovereignty and the well-being of its citizens. "Yes, a thousand times yes, the Kataeb Party and its leader prioritize the interests of Lebanon, the safety of its people, and their right to live in peace, security, and prosperity above all else," the statement proclaimed. In a pointed warning to those who accuse the party of treason, the Kataeb Party cautioned, "Stop the accusations of treason, for they will eventually come back to haunt you! Preserve the possibility of reconciliation with the rest of the Lebanese people!" The statement concluded with a powerful reminder of the Kataeb Party's nearly nine decades of resilience: "We have seen many like you during the 88 years of the Kataeb Party's existence. They have all vanished, while Lebanon and the Kataeb have endured." Source: National News Agency - Lebanon