Mikati: Lebanon Condemns Rocket Launching Incident

Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati confirmed that "Lebanon condemns and denounces the rocket launching incident from southern Lebanon," emphasizing that "the army and UNIFIL forces are intensifying their investigations to uncover the circumstances of the incident and to apprehend those responsible." During his meeting with Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto this evening at his residence, upon Crosetto's arrival in Lebanon for a visit to inspect his country's forces operating under "UNIFIL," Mikati stressed that "Lebanon absolutely rejects any military escalation originating from its land and the use of Lebanese territory to carry out operations that destabilize the existing stability." He reiterated Lebanon's commitment to UN Resolution 1701 and emphasized the close coordination between the army and UNIFIL. Mikati informed the Italian minister that "all active forces in the south have communicated their condemnation of this operation and denounced any escalation, especially in this delicate situation." He urged the Italian minister to pressure Israel to halt any operations that lead to further tension in the south, thanking Italy for its continued support to Lebanon and its effective contributions to enhancing stability in the south through its participation in international forces. For his part, Italian Defense Minister Crosetto reaffirmed his country's support for Lebanon and its readiness to assist in resolving the ongoing political crisis.