After the altercation that occurred between MPs Sami Jamiel and Ali Hassan Khalil regarding the municipal elections and special withdrawals, MP Jamiel spoke at a press conference from the Parliament, stating, "I am placing what happened today in the hands of the Speaker of the Parliament Nabih Berri, and I will not disclose what happened to avoid contributing to strife." He explained that what occurred touched on sacred matters and, from here, addressed Berri, saying if he wishes to address the issue, he knows how to do so, and if he does not wish to address it, the message has been received, and they will see how to handle it with their allies.
For his part, MP Ali Hassan Khalil mentioned that he was clear when he said that Parliament should not intervene in the special withdrawal rights file and that he did not want any legal cover for acting on those rights. He pointed out that "some insist on rejecting legislative sessions, and therefore, those who raise the banner of holding municipal elections do not actually want them," emphasizing that "some MPs have crossed the bounds of collegiality, and there was a need to respond to them." He called for addressing what happened today in Parliament, asserting, "It is not permissible for anyone to infringe on another, and I am committed to my convictions and everything I say."
After numerous rumors circulated on social media about Jamiel's statement: "There was an infringement on sacred matters," which many interpreted as an insult to religion that could lead to strife, MP Jamil Sayyed denied this in a tweet, saying, "I was in the joint committees' session today. Contrary to what is rumored, especially some anonymous recordings about an affront to the cross or religion, the debate was not sectarian, nor did either of the two fellow MPs use phrases that offend religious symbols and rituals; the essence of the issue is a sharp political insult." He affirmed that "inflating strife does not benefit anyone."
**Khalil Apologizes via Boussab**
Deputy Speaker of Parliament Elias Boussab issued the following statement: "Following the debate that occurred during the joint committee session in Parliament this morning, Boussab communicated with Nabih Berri and informed him of the details of what happened. Berri then immediately contacted Jamiel, confirming his interest in addressing the situation. Berri also requested Boussab to continue his communications to find a solution that would address the issue quickly."
As a result of these communications, Boussab visited the Kataeb party headquarters in Sassine, where he met with Sami Jamiel and agreed with him on a way to address the matter.
Afterwards, Ali Hassan Khalil called Jamiel, expressing his apologies for the remarks he made, especially after Khalil confirmed that the provocative comments directed at him were not aimed at the head of the Kataeb party. Khalil, during the call attended by Boussab, expressed his full respect for Jamiel and the Kataeb party.
