Lebanese Foreign Minister, Abdullah Bou Habib, issued a stark warning that the region might spiral out of control if the negotiations concerning Gaza fail.
According to Lebanese media reports, during a phone call with Japan’s Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa, Bou Habib expressed Lebanon’s reluctance to escalate tensions and the necessity for a ceasefire in Gaza to stabilize conditions in southern Lebanon and the wider region.
In related developments, Lebanon’s acting Prime Minister Najib Mikati reiterated the ongoing efforts to secure an extension for the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in the United Nations Security Council.
He emphasized Lebanon’s stance on the full implementation of UN Resolution 1701.
Mikati stated that the discussions concerning UNIFIL’s mandate renewal have shown an understanding of Lebanon’s demand to maintain the current scope of UNIFIL’s duties without introducing complications that could exacerbate already tense situations.
Mikati expressed hope that this approach would be finalized before the end of the month to preserve UNIFIL’s role and functions in southern Lebanon.
Lebanese Labor Minister Mustafa Bayram informed Sputnik that the Lebanese government has prepared an action plan in anticipation of potential escalations in the conflict with Israel.
However, he noted that due to Western pressures, international organizations have failed to provide the necessary support.
Bayram emphasized that any potential armed conflict between Lebanon and Israel would present significant challenges for the Israel Defense Forces.
He stated that the decision to engage in war rests solely with Israel, asserting Lebanon’s right to self-defense and highlighting the unpredictability of the situation.
He also pointed out that Hezbollah is prepared for such a conflict, and Israel does not require any justification to launch attacks on Lebanon.
