The Cabinet approved a work plan by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport to ensure all readiness factors and administrative, financial, and technical requirements to face any possible contingencies regarding the ministry's infrastructure. Minister of Information Ziad Makari reassured citizens that the government is working on an emergency plan in case of war. Minister of Public Works Ali Hamieh mentioned from the government palace that maintenance, operation, and updating activities for the airport's devices and equipment will continue to address all existing gaps.
At the beginning of the Cabinet session, Prime Minister Najib Mikati requested a moment of silence in honor of the martyrs who fell in southern Lebanon and Gaza due to the Israeli army. Mikati stated, "Today, more than ever, anxious Lebanese eyes are on the government due to the ongoing Israeli attacks in the south and the continuous aggression on the Gaza Strip to know what actions and communications we are undertaking in response."
He noted that throughout the past days, he continued to hold diplomatic communications and meetings to explain the Lebanese position and to urge friendly nations to exert pressure to prevent Israeli violations and the extension of fires into Lebanese territory. He acknowledged that, while the war remains confined to Gaza, the situation in the south and the daily losses of lives must be observed. This prompted their constant request to brotherly and friendly countries to apply necessary pressure to stop provocations and Israeli violations against Lebanon.
Mikati added, "The horrific massacre that took place in Gaza is a glaring evidence that Israel has no limits to its aggression, and no words can adequately describe what happened. The painful question that arises in this context is, where is international justice? When justice is absent, the whole world is in danger." He emphasized that the government continues its intensive communications and received some diplomatic atmospheres that showed an understanding of Lebanese fears and a promise to continue efforts to stop Israeli attacks.
He expressed hope for a unified internal stance, stating, "We will not tire of repeating this demand, and we call on everyone, whether they are government participants or outside it, especially those in the government who do not attend its sessions. No one should outbid another in patriotism; our concern is the country's interest, and we must stay united. If everyone does not seize the current opportunity to convene and elect a President of the Republic, what are they waiting for?"
He continued, "The populist escalation positions, which hide behind national constants everyone agrees on, are meaningless if we do not sit together, as the circumstances require dealing with the developments wisely and calmly. Now is not the time for populist competition. Furthermore, I say that expressing an opinion, especially regarding current events, is a legitimate right, but popular movements that exceed the expression of opinion to become violations against people, the army, security forces, public and private property, and diplomatic missions are absolutely rejected."
He indicated that the sensitivity of the current situation requires a wise approach to all conditions, and called for an end to inflaming tensions and to regulate supporters. He asserted, "No one in Lebanon has an interest in violating existing diplomatic missions in Lebanon, as we are in urgent need of external understanding of the Lebanese situation and support to confront the impending challenges."
Mikati mentioned that he held a lengthy meeting with the Governor of the Central Bank to discuss measures being taken to ensure monetary stability and control the exchange rate, noting he is reassured by the steps being taken. He also held a meeting with the National Disaster and Crisis Management Authority to clarify the required executive steps to cope with potential occurrences, resulting in a series of decisions and steps that will be decided upon soon.
He then convened a broad meeting with the relevant ministers and international organizations operating in Lebanon to discuss coordination methods and appoint individuals to start working immediately. He appealed to all Lebanese, including officials, leaders, and individuals, to unite their efforts and positions to navigate this difficult phase and reassured people that they are "continuing to work with all their energy and available resources to fortify the internal situation in light of events."
Following this, the Minister of Information reported on the Cabinet's resolutions, noting the importance of respecting freedom of expression while also calling on security agencies to take necessary measures to protect public and private property and to prevent infiltrators from causing disturbances. The Cabinet studied its agenda and approved most of its items, including the approval of plans from the Ministry of Public Works and Transport and the Ministry of Health regarding disaster management. It was also decided to promote members of the teaching staff at the Lebanese University.
Regarding the postal file, he noted that the Cabinet listened to a presentation from the President of the Court of Auditors, but after discussion, decided to postpone the examination of this item until the next session and to invite the head of the public procurement authority to continue the discussion. In response to a question, he affirmed that "citizens should be reassured that the government is working on a preventive plan in case, God forbid, war occurs."
