MP Nadim Gemayel openly criticized on Thursday the submission “of the state, with all its military and civilian services, to the control of Hezbollah and its weapons.”
His comments followed his decision on March 20, 2024, to withdraw his application for the renewal of fifteen weapon-carrying permits, intended for the escorts and guards responsible for his protection, as the Ministry of Defense had not followed up on these formalities.
Gemayel explained in a statement that his request, submitted on February 1, 2024, had not been processed, even “after several attempts to follow up on the matter with the relevant authorities in the Defense Minister’s office.”
“It seems that those in charge are busy supplying permits, weapons, missiles, and ammunition to the militias without refusing them anything,” he criticized.
In this context, he asserted that he and his companions would continue “to carry and use weapons without permits,” saying that he would not “beg” anyone to ensure his protection.
“We will not give in, and we will resist in order to preserve our security, our freedom, and our dignity,” he concluded.
