The caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, stated that "Lebanon is in the eye of the storm, and what is happening on our southern borders raises deep concern and condemnation for us, as all incidents along the Blue Line are the result of Israeli provocations and the continuous violations by the Israeli enemy of Resolution 1701." In a session to discuss the Syrian displacement and its repercussions, the situation in the south, and in the Gaza Strip, Mikati reaffirmed that "the Cabinet, in light of the organized extermination taking place in Gaza targeting children and civilians, and the systemic and barbaric destruction of residential neighborhoods, strongly condemns these criminal acts committed by the Israeli enemy, which the international community remains silent about."
He also emphasized the Cabinet's "support for the oppressed and solidarity with the Palestinian people in their struggle for their right to life, land, and human dignity." Mikati noted that "Lebanon, which is committed to implementing international resolutions, particularly Resolution 1701, emphasizes the role of the army in maintaining security and stability during this difficult phase, and the close cooperation between the army and UNIFIL forces."
Mikati called on "all concerned parties to be on high alert to face any emergency, support the government’s efforts to spare Lebanon from the repercussions of what is happening, maintain security, ensure the safety of citizens, and provide for their daily needs. He also stressed the need for the army leadership and security agency leaders to activate measures taken to prevent any disruption or exploitation of the situation. Additionally, he requested the Disaster Management Authority to hold an emergency meeting and conduct necessary simulations to face the crisis."
The Prime Minister reported that "he met with Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Bou Habib, who updated him on the atmosphere of the Arab League meetings and the Arab countries' commitment to Lebanon and its stability. He also requested the minister to submit an urgent complaint to the UN Security Council regarding Israel's repeated attacks against Lebanon."
Mikati pointed out that "he is in contact not only with international officials who initiated contact to urge us to seek to calm the situation but also with all active political forces in Lebanon, asking them for restraint and not to fall into Israeli plots."
The Prime Minister urged "the effective forces in the international community, including the UN Security Council, to assume their responsibilities and exert pressure to stop the fire in Gaza and begin negotiations that lead to halting the cycle of violence and restoring calm. At the same time, efforts should be made to implement the Arab peace initiative adopted at the Arab summit held in Beirut in 2002 as the sole roadmap for achieving peace and granting the Palestinians their legitimate rights."
Mikati stated: "The violent confrontations taking place in Gaza and its surroundings distance us from any real opportunities to achieve stability and peace. The causes of these confrontations have become known; they stem from the lack of a just and lasting solution to the Palestinian cause. The repeated and ongoing violations against Islamic and Christian holy sites have inflamed feelings not only among Palestinians but also among all believers in heavenly religions. We are all concerned about what is happening there, nationally, emotionally, and humanely; we cannot be anything but on the side of right and justice."
Regarding the Syrian displacement issue, Mikati confirmed that "we did not and will not approach this subject from a racist perspective, but rather from the motivation of protecting Lebanon's interests and the Lebanese people," indicating that "the serious handling of this file does not happen through positions and populist rhetoric or incitement, but through patience, diligent work, and responsibility shared among all ministries, administrations, and agencies, as is happening now."
He added: "This significant challenge facing Lebanon can be overcome with good management. This crisis should unify the Lebanese people, not be a topic that divides them. The crux of the matter is the need for the displaced to return to their homeland and their towns and villages; therefore, this issue should not be raised in a way that creates a rift among the Lebanese. The right way to address this issue begins with uniting the Lebanese on a single stance aimed at facilitating the return of the displaced to their homeland as soon as possible without causing unnecessary problems among the Lebanese or between them and their Syrian brethren."
He continued: "National solidarity among the Lebanese is what is needed; it is what enables us to present this issue before the Arab and international communities as a unified Lebanese position agreed upon by all Lebanese, demanding all necessary measures for the return of Syrian displaced persons. In practical steps, the Minister of Foreign Affairs will visit Syria on the 23rd of this month with members of the delegation to discuss this file."
Mikati expressed that "we called for this session and hoped all ministers would respond to our call and realize the gravity of the phase Lebanon is going through, joining the Cabinet to address urgent matters with national responsibility. The boycott is ineffective, and it is essential to be frank with the people that the decisions we have made, which are not secret and of which you are all aware, as well as the decrees amounting to 1299, do not relate to any specific group or entity but rather to issues that are closely related to people's urgent needs and the continuity of the state and its institutions. If some have adopted the boycott as a political stance initially to pressure the election of a new president, the government is not responsible for any steps regarding this file, and the boycott is no longer effective, evidenced by developments that have surpassed it, necessitating the unification of efforts and cooperation to overcome current challenges."
In this context, Mikati continued: "After the Constitutional Council confirmed, by its decision No. 6 dated 30-5-2023, the constitutionality of the Cabinet sessions and the legality of the mechanism adopted for making decisions and issuing decrees, now the Administrative Judicial Council, the highest administrative judicial reference, has today decided to reject the appeals submitted by some boycotting ministers, which would constitutionally and legally reinforce all decisions of the caretaker government. How long will the stubbornness, which is futile and unproductive, continue when the boat is at risk of sinking every day and every moment? Therefore, I renew the call and plea to rise above differences during this critical phase our country is going through and for all of us to cooperate and unite to avoid the difficulties we are facing. The priority for a solution is to expedite the election of a president to complete the constitutional institutions during this pivotal phase."
Mikati concluded: "To all Lebanese, I say: despite the seriousness of the situation, I rely on the awareness of all political forces and their national sense. What I have sensed from the external communications we are undertaking and the visits of envoys confirms the concern for Lebanon, its unity, and its sovereignty. For my part, I am making every effort to preserve state institutions and its entity. Those who issue populist statements and hold the government responsible for what is happening should recognize the effort we are making to overcome the crisis. Since day one of its work, despite all the fractures, slander, and defamation campaigns, the government is the primary and last line of defense for the state and Lebanon's supreme interests during this challenging phase in its history. We are here to serve the people and protect Lebanon."
