The Cabinet decided during its session at the Grand Serail to ask employees of the real estate departments to return to their offices and resume their work as usual starting next week. Additionally, it approved an increase in monthly family allowances for employees from the National Social Security Fund. Prime Minister Najib Mikati pointed out that "some are trying to reintroduce the government into discussions that appear constitutional and political, but are essentially aimed at obstructing and monopolizing power; however, we are determined to move forward in our work, avoiding the futile arguments that have tired the Lebanese people."
During his chairing of the Cabinet session, he called on all Lebanese to "join together to spare Lebanon from catastrophic collapses, and to cooperate heart to heart, hand in hand to protect our unity and defend human dignity." Mikati stated that "the Gaza war and the Israeli assaults in the south were the focus of my speech at the Arab and Islamic summit, and all the kings and presidents were responsive and aware of the dangers and developments in the situation. All these challenges and threats make us see deeper and think more about our internal situation, always emphasizing the necessity of electing a president for the republic as soon as possible to complete the institutions and work together to restore Lebanon stronger and more resilient."
He continued, "Global public opinion is beginning to understand this humanitarian issue and the implications of the Israeli aggression in Gaza that targets civilians and hospitals, destroying all aspects of life. The decision issued yesterday by the Security Council marks the beginning of a ceasefire and the earnest pursuit of exchanging civilian prisoners as a first phase, paving the way for a final cessation of hostilities." Mikati considered that some "are trying to bring the government back into discussions that seem constitutional and political but are in reality aimed at obstruction and monopolization of power. However, we remain committed to progressing in our work, stepping away from the barren debates that have fatigued the Lebanese, affirming that the government acts based on what it deems appropriate, and not according to agendas that some are trying to impose on essential matters during this critical phase."
He confirmed that "any decision we make regarding any urgent obligation will primarily be driven by the interests of the nation and the priority of strengthening institutions in this sensitive period. The government will certainly not be a space used by those who want to settle personal scores and individual disputes at the expense of the public interest."
**Minister of Communications**
In this context, Minister of Telecommunications Johnny Al-Qarm announced after the Cabinet session that the contract with "Liban Post" has been renewed indefinitely until a new company is appointed, noting that "I did not threaten to resign, but I am disappointed with the result we have reached." He mentioned, "I have repeatedly said that I do not want to renew with Liban Post, and the contract with them is detrimental to the state; today there will be ramifications for this matter," emphasizing that he has made an effort in this file. Al-Qarm revealed that the topic of "Starlink" has been postponed to the next session.
**Minister of Education**
Moreover, Minister of Education Abbas Halabi clarified after the Cabinet session that "the issue of the army leadership is a vital and important matter, and the deadlines are narrowing for addressing this issue, but it requires more consultation so that this decision does not come as a challenge." He announced that "the intention is to have a commander for the army, and the government is aiming to avoid a vacancy in the army's leadership, and whoever has constitutional standing between the two councils will fill the void."
**Additional Information**
Reports from LBCI indicated that Minister of Energy Walid Fayyad sent a message to Najib Mikati and the ministers present in the Cabinet session, accusing Chairman of the Public Procurement Authority Jean Alia of wanting to stop the awarding of the gas and fuel oil tender. Fayyad considered that "this would lead to delays in fuel delivery, causing a decrease in electricity supplies, potentially resulting in a power outage in mid-December," and he noted that "Alia is making a grave mistake." Fayyad appeared at the Grand Serail for five minutes before leaving without clarifying the reason for his presence and did not join the Cabinet session. Other ministers who participated in the session included Abbas Halabi (Education and Higher Education), Amin Salam (Economy and Trade), Ziad Makari (Information), George Kallas (Youth and Sports), Yusuf Khalil (Finance), Najla Riachi (State Minister for Administrative Development), George Bouchikian (Industry), Johnny Al-Qarm (Telecommunications), Bassam Mawlawi (Interior and Municipalities), Firas Al-Abyad (Health), Walid Nassar (Tourism), Nasser Yassin (Environment), Mustafa Bayram (Labor), Ali Hamieh (Public Works and Transport), Abbas Al-Haj Hasan (Agriculture), and Issam Sharafeddine (Minister of the Displaced).
