The caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati stated during a session of the Council of Ministers at the Grand Serail that "we have informed all delegates that discussing a ceasefire in Lebanon alone is illogical. Based on our Arab identity and principles, we demand that a ceasefire in Gaza be implemented as soon as possible, in parallel with a serious ceasefire in Lebanon." At the beginning of the session, he remarked: "There is no way to save the country and rescue it except through the cooperation of everyone with one another." Mikati pointed out that "we have heard criticisms from some that we are taking on the role of the President of the Republic, which is not true, because we are working to manage the affairs of the country in the current difficult circumstances. Those who criticize should fulfill their duty to elect a President of the Republic as soon as possible; this is the beginning of the desired solution."
He added: "Our session today is taking place against the backdrop of the ongoing Israeli aggression against southern Lebanon and the Gaza Strip, amid intensive diplomatic movements toward Lebanon, including the visit of the German Foreign Minister two days ago, with whom I also met two months ago. The current situation is better than it was two months ago regarding the understanding of the Lebanese perspective, which I also conveyed to the U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein. This perspective is that there are international resolutions issued since 1949 up to Resolution 1701. Israel has not implemented any of these resolutions, while we continuously affirm that we are under international legitimacy, and our ministerial statement confirmed respect for all international resolutions. If stability in the south and the border area is to be achieved, then all international resolutions must be implemented, starting with the 1949 armistice agreement, and all points contained within it without any changes. Only then can we move on to discussing arrangements for stability in the south. We have also informed all delegates that discussing a ceasefire in Lebanon alone is illogical, and based on our Arab identity and principles, we demand an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, in parallel with a serious ceasefire in Lebanon. We do not accept that our brothers face genocide and destruction, while we only seek a special agreement with one party."
He continued: "In this context, I salute South Africa's initiative to file a lawsuit against Israel before the International Court of Justice on charges of committing genocide, and we look forward to a fair and swift ruling that reflects respect for values and human rights, especially international humanitarian law. Yesterday, we witnessed the first plea and the essential points raised in it, and regardless of what the international court will decide, the essence is that there are those who ask where international legitimacy and international law are."
Mikati said: "This week a serious incident occurred at Beirut Airport involving the hijacking of some devices at the airport. In this context, I commend and appreciate the efforts of the Minister of Public Works and Transport and his diligent follow-up regarding the security agencies' investigation into what happened in search of the truth. Given that any device can be subject to breaches, we request that ministers circulate within their ministries to ensure the safety of computer equipment and review their protective measures."
He concluded: "It was planned to discuss financial incentives for the public sector in today's session, but it became clear from the studies and scrutiny conducted that the objections regarding the gap between military and security personnel and the public administration are serious and require further review. Thus, we decided to postpone the discussion of the topic to the next cabinet session, while confirming that financial incentives will be granted retroactively starting from December 1 of last year."
Mikati chaired the session at the Grand Serail, attended by Deputy Prime Minister Saadeh Al-Shami, and Ministers: Education and Higher Education Abbas Halabi, Media Ziad Makari, State for Administrative Development Najla Riachi, Industry George Boushkian, Economy and Trade Amin Salam, Communications Johnny Qarm, Interior and Municipalities Bassam Mawlawi, Environment Nasser Yassin, Tourism Walid Nassar, Culture Mohammed Wissam Mortada, Health Firas Al-Abyad, Labor Mustafa Bayram, Public Works and Transport Ali Hamiyeh, and Agriculture Abbas Al-Haj Hassan. Also present were the Director General of the Presidency of the Republic Antoine Chaqir and the Secretary-General of the Council of Ministers Judge Mahmoud Makiya. It is noted that there are 34 items on the government's agenda.
