The caretaker Minister of National Defense, Maurice Slim, affirmed that "the security situation in Lebanon is experiencing a natural stability, thanks to the efforts of the Lebanese Army, which is deployed across the country, and the other security forces that perform their duties according to their specialties and responsibilities." He said, "This does not mean that some incidents or security breaches do not occur from time to time, as happens anywhere in the world, but the security operations and proactive measures taken by the army and the security forces lead to controlling the situation and arresting wanted individuals and bringing them to justice."
Slim pointed out in an interview with the Russian news agency "Sputnik" that "the army naturally monitors any activity of terrorist cells on Lebanese territory." He noted, "Recently, it uncovered a terrorist cell in Tripoli and conducted a special operation that resulted in the arrest of several key members, and it became clear that one of the goals of this cell was to recruit individuals in Lebanon and carry out security strikes within Lebanon targeting human gatherings to inflict the largest number of casualties through single or double suicide attacks."
Regarding the security situation on the borders between Lebanon and neighboring countries, he confirmed that "a state of stability prevails along all Lebanese borders, reinforced by the role of army units in preserving the borders of the homeland across these borders, both on land and at sea." He said, "In the south, the army cooperates with the United Nations Interim Force in South Lebanon, fostering field cooperation that provides security and stability for all residents of the border area."
He added, "On the eastern and northern borders between Lebanon and Syria, the army manages the movement of persons and goods, combating smuggling in all its forms, especially since these borders are intertwined and witness repeated attempts to cross between the two countries, either for smuggling goods or for the daily survival needs of the people."
Regarding concerns about security breakdown amidst a presidential vacancy, he said, "There is absolutely no fear of that possibility. There is no political conflict in Lebanon that leads to security clashes, and the political forces have no intentions or directions towards resorting to violent means." He added, "Everything happening on the political scene remains within democratic frameworks, especially since all political parties are united in finding solutions to the current state which serves the interest of the nation and pulls it out of the major crisis it is experiencing, in a more precise manner regarding the unprecedented social crisis that the entire Lebanese population suffers from, and everyone hopes to overcome it through the combined national efforts to achieve this."
In response to a question about the military institution's position on the political process, he stated, "According to the nature of the Lebanese political system and what the military institution in Lebanon has practiced historically, it does not intervene in the political process but instead, alongside its defensive role, maintains security and stability within the country, leaving the political process to the relevant parties, always prioritizing the safety of society and maintaining public order."
Regarding the delineation of maritime borders and whether Lebanon has made concessions, he said: "Lebanon began steps to demarcate the boundaries of the exclusive economic zone at its southern borders more than a decade ago, relying on its rights acknowledged by international law in this matter. In the recent phase of completing this, which occurred with American mediation, Lebanon was united in insisting on its rights until this was achieved through the agreement that was reached." He added, "Lebanon obtaining its rights in that area cannot pose any security threat to it; thus, it enters a new phase enabling it to invest its national resources without any reduction, which will open the door to restoring its economic vitality and rebuilding its capabilities for the benefit of its people, who have always aspired to advance and develop the future of its generations to return to its previous standing among nations."
Regarding Israeli violations, he said: "Lebanon adheres to international resolutions that prohibit any attacks across our southern borders, while Israeli violations of Lebanese sovereignty frequently occur on land, at sea, and in the air, in full view and hearing of the international community. Lebanon continuously and repeatedly informs the United Nations of these violations, as does the command of UNIFIL."
In response to a question about Lebanese-Russian relations, he stated: "The friendly relations between the two countries have deep roots extending back decades, characterized by cooperation in various fields. Russia has always stood by Lebanon in several situations, providing assistance during crises or painful events that have afflicted us. The relationship has maintained communication during military and security occasions on multiple levels, and Lebanon remains open to further cooperation at all times."
