Beirut, 3 August 2024 (TDI): Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati has said that Lebanon is determined to defend its land and sovereignty.
He said in a statement on Friday that Lebanon will not hesitate to defend, no matter the sacrifices.
Mikati termed the regional developments as “worrisome,” signaling increased danger levels.
He said that nothing indicates that Israeli arrogance will stop.
Mikati met with top officers in the Lebanese army command and cautioned that the regional developments are concerning.
He emphasized that the army remains the firm guarantee for the unity of the country, its territory, people, and establishments, making it a national obligation for everyone to unite around the military.
Mikati said that he had informed friendly and brotherly nations that we Lebanon is a strong advocate of peace, not war.
Lebanon wanted permanent stability through Israel’s commitment to implementing UN Resolution 1701 in all its provisions. No Israeli aggression will deter it from that.
Mikati stressed the significance of deploying the army in cooperation with the UN Interim Force in Lebanon to prevent violations of its internationally recognized borders. This is essential for ensuring security and stability for the people in the south.
He added that Lebanon’s right to utilize the resources in its waters is absolute and not open to negotiation.
Mikati also met with the ambassadors of the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (the US, France, China, the UK, and Russia) and the representatives of the non-permanent member states present in Lebanon (Japan, Switzerland, Algeria, and South Korea).
The meeting came against the backdrop of escalating confrontations between Israel and Hezbollah, which reached their peak on Tuesday with the killing of key Hezbollah leader Fuad Shukr in the heart of the southern suburb of Beirut.
Mikati’s media office said in a statement that the assembled ambassadors affirmed Lebanon’s commitment to implementing United Nations resolutions, especially Resolution 1701, as a top priority in the region.
Lebanon has also filed a complaint with the United Nations Security Council against Israel for its aggression against the southern suburb of Beirut.
