Gemayel Warns of Army Absence in the South: What We Feared Has Happened… Calls for Immediate Higher Defense Council Meeting

Samy Gemayel, head of the Kataeb Party and member of the Lebanese Parliament, wrote on his account on X:

“I called the Army Commander three times over the past four days, warning about the danger of the army’s absence on the ground in the areas of Qlayaa–Marjeyoun as well as Rmeish, Debel, and Ain Ebel. This was based on our communication with Kataeb officials in the region and with mayors. The concern was clear about the possibility of armed elements entering the towns, dragging these safe villages into confrontation and exposing them to shelling. Unfortunately, what we warned about has happened.

Hezbollah gunmen entered a house, which led to it being targeted by Israeli shelling. When the parish priest Father Pierre Al-Rahi arrived at the site along with the head of the Marjeyoun–Hasbaya region, comrade Said Said, it was shelled again, leaving Father Al-Rahi seriously injured.”

He added: “In light of this dangerous reality, the Higher Defense Council must meet immediately and take the appropriate decisions, issuing clear orders to the army and clear guidance to the Lebanese wherever they are. Leaving people to their fate without protection or clear direction is shameful and unacceptable.”