Qabalan: Lebanon's Higher Interests are a "Red Line"

The distinguished Ja'fari Mufti Sheikh Ahmad Qabalan affirmed today, Friday, that "Lebanon's higher interests are a red line, and any international envoy must speak about Lebanese interests, not Israeli ones; otherwise, they are not welcome. Resolution 1701 falls under Lebanon's sovereignty and security interests, not the opposite. The army, the people, and the resistance are Lebanon's greatest sovereign interests. The internal outcry from certain mercenaries, known for their source and price, is a manipulation; cheap deals are entirely inappropriate given the blood that guarantees the interests, sovereignty, and independence of Lebanon." He addressed the political forces, stating: "We cannot leave the country in a vacuum, nor can the state and its institutions be managed through alternatives. A national settlement is required that addresses the presidency and the government as a basis to pull the country out of political death." He added, "Therefore, a social workshop is essential, as it is a matter of national necessity. The vacuum, chaos, and market absorption have turned people into victims; we need to protect our markets, regulate finances, ensure minimum social justice, and rescue people from the paralysis affecting the state and its functions, both socially and economically." He reiterated that "security is a necessity for Lebanon, and military and security forces are existential necessities for the country. It is crucial to work on a significant settlement to pull our country out of the pit of external influence working hard to keep the nation in a state of vacuum, operating according to its own dictates." Mufti Qabalan concluded by stating, "Israeli terrorism has returned to war against Gaza, again with support from Washington and NATO, under the pretext of achieving victory in prisoner negotiations. However, the pressure of war is greater than that; Arabs and the Islamic world must assist Gaza, and Arab and Islamic peoples must pressure political decisions in their countries. Know that this moment is one of history, and the betrayal of Gaza and its people is a betrayal of God, religion, honor, and humanity."