The Mayor of Kahal, Jan Bajani, stated that Lebanon and its citizens are paying dearly, with the blood of youth, "the price of the state's absence and the unchecked arms without deterrent or accountability." He pointed out that "it is unacceptable for the country to be held hostage by armed individuals who violate the law and the security of the Lebanese." In a statement to the Kuwaiti "Al-Anbaa," Bajani said, "After two individuals were killed at Kahal's Kiosk, and before them one in Ain Abil, no one knows where tomorrow will demand payment for the security chaos and the spread of disorder."
He emphasized that, regardless of the sovereignty issue, "it would have been better for those responsible for the truck carrying weapons and ammunition to inform the security and military authorities to escort it, instead of leaving its path in the care of armed civilians, who fired indiscriminately in all directions during the truck's overturn, while the residents of Kahal tried to assist the driver."
Bajani asserted that Kahal is the heart of the nation and supports legitimacy, and is known for its defense of the nation's dignity and sovereignty. "It is therefore unacceptable for a handful of armed individuals to shoot at its residents, as if we are in a jungle where there is no law, security apparatus, or judicial oversight."
He added, "Despite the fact that the victims, Fadi Bajani and before him Joe Bajani, sacrificed their blood for Lebanon, and despite the anger that overwhelms the souls of Kahal's residents, we call for calm to prevent the country from sliding into strife that would drag everyone into the dragon's mouth. The state must impose its presence and assert its authority over all Lebanese territory; otherwise, may Lebanon the state and entity find eternal peace."
Bajani continued, "Although the Lebanese army finds itself caught between two metaphorical fires—the anger of the residents in Kahal and the fire of Hezbollah—it was their duty to prevent matters from escalating to the point of assaulting the people, especially given Kahal's significant symbolism in the creation of heroes defending the nation and sovereignty. Kahal is not just a region or a word; it is, by the testimony of all Lebanese, a stronghold of freedoms and defense of the state and legitimacy, and it cannot remain silent in the face of assaults on its homes and people."
He noted that "the lesson lies in Hezbollah's commitment to respecting Kahal's unique circumstances and the anger of its residents due to the violations against them. The state must therefore undertake deterrent measures to put an end to the farce of unchecked arms and the tampering with the security of the Lebanese." He expressed hope that the Kahal incident would serve as a lesson for the authorities about the necessity of exercising their responsibilities, even minimally, to prevent strife and protect public peace.
