The Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, stated that "the diplomatic communications we are conducting internationally and regionally, along with local meetings, are ongoing to stop Israeli attacks on Lebanon, particularly in the south, and to prevent the expansion of the ongoing war in Gaza into Lebanon." He mentioned to his visitors today: "I understand the fear and anxiety that Lebanese people feel due to the current situation, and the calls from several embassies for their citizens to leave Lebanon, but I will not hesitate to exert all efforts to protect Lebanon."
He continued: "The meetings and preparations we are undertaking to establish an emergency plan to address what may happen are a fundamental precautionary step, as we face an enemy whose bloody history we know. However, at the same time, we are reassured that Lebanon's friends are continuing to make every effort with us to restore the situation to normal and prevent further deterioration."
He added: "The measures taken at the airport and by Middle East Airlines also stem from a preventive and cautious approach, considering risk management. We have not received any information indicating a significant event might occur at the airport, and with God's will, the exceptional measures will be in place for a short period, after which the situation will return to normal."
Mikati remarked: "In times of crises and calamities, rumors and false news abound, some of which fall within the framework of psychological warfare against the Lebanese to demoralize them. However, I am confident that our people will overcome this ordeal as they have with previous ones and will not allow the enemy to undermine their resilience."
He concluded: "At the beginning of the crisis, we preferred to pursue quiet actions away from the media, but some exploited that to launch an unjustified campaign against the government and incite panic among the people. To counter this, I decided to keep the Lebanese regularly informed about our actions, and I urge our people to trust that we are continuing our efforts to keep all harm away from Lebanon."
