Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati affirmed today Lebanon’s right to defend its land, sovereignty, and dignity “by all means available” in response to “systematic and dangerous Israeli escalation.”
In his address, Mikati highlighted that the people of the South, the Bekaa, and recently Beirut’s southern suburbs face ongoing Israeli assaults that have resulted in “hundreds of martyrs and injured civilians, soldiers, and resistance fighters, displacing families and destroying homes and properties.” He emphasized Lebanon’s pursuit of lasting stability through the recovery of occupied southern territories and the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
Mikati welcomed any initiative aimed at regaining the remaining occupied lands and enhancing the deployment of the Lebanese army in cooperation with international forces to prevent any violations of Lebanon’s internationally recognized borders. He stressed that “investing in our resources within our waters is an undeniable and non-negotiable right.”
Describing the regional developments as “alarming” and warning of an escalating threat spreading from one area to another, Mikati reiterated the urgent need to elect a president. He called on Lebanese parliamentarians to take responsibility, overcome their differences, and engage in sincere, honest, and balanced dialogue to elect a suitable leader to “revitalize the nation.”
It is noteworthy that in 2006, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 1701, demanding an immediate cessation of all Israeli offensive operations and the withdrawal of all Israeli forces from southern Lebanon. Despite this, Israeli forces continue their escalation in southern towns and villages, coinciding with ongoing aggression against Gaza since October 7.
