This is the second time in his political career that Najib Mikati is accused of leading a "Hezbollah government." However, this round has its own circumstances, both favorable and unfavorable, including that he is not "pursued" by his Sunni environment in aligning with the party. This time, only the Christians are in this field. He justifies his positions aligning with the party's political requirements to a certain extent of realism and to another degree strategic vision. Therefore, he believes that a ceasefire in the south will not achieve its results unless the war on Gaza stops, which has extended its flames to the Red Sea and Pakistan, and even the American presidential elections are being influenced by its developments.
On a presidential level, Mikati believes the Quintet is eager to accomplish this obligation, but who will convince the Lebanese political forces to concede their interests for the sake of the common good? He was even expecting to meet with the ambassadors of the Quintet today after their meeting with the Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri but was informed that all group appointments were canceled. However, he can assert that he has not heard from any Western official about a proposal to trade the presidency for restoring stability in the south as mentioned in "Nidaa al-Watan."
*Why the confusion in your positions regarding the war on Gaza and the south, from attributing the decision of war and peace to Hezbollah to describing its performance as rational to accusing the government of having become Hezbollah's government?*
The decision of war is certainly not in the hands of the Lebanese state but lies in the Israeli arsenal, and this is what we have said since the first day of the outbreak of hostilities. We seek stability and peace by adhering to all relevant international resolutions and agreements. We remain committed to this stance. As for what I said regarding the ceasefire in Gaza, everyone, near and far, is calling for a ceasefire since it is a gateway to all solutions. I said that the continuation of military operations in Gaza will snowball into a huge issue.
My position does not mean adopting the slogan of unifying battlefields, but it stems from a political realism that imposes itself not only at the Lebanese level but on regional and international dimensions. The American presidential elections are influenced by what is happening in Gaza, as well as developments in the Red Sea.
*But you are criticized for legitimizing Hezbollah's position.*
Did I grant Hezbollah legitimacy in the south when the April Understanding was concluded? The party's reaction and its restraint after the number of martyrs who fell at the southern fronts or in targeting their vehicles, and in comparison with the July 2006 war and prior to it, shows that Hezbollah's behavior is restrained and based on the principle of preserving Lebanon's supreme interest by avoiding dragging it into an open war. However, the truth may not suit all political forces. We are ready to fully implement Resolution 1701 and ready to enhance the army's presence.
I said that the key to the solution begins in Gaza, which does not mean linking it to Lebanon, but we should start afterward by searching for the next steps on how to secure lasting stability. The option of war is a loss for all parties. Thus, the diplomatic and negotiating approach remains the true entry point and guarantor for achieving lasting stability, starting with ceasing the aggression on Gaza and initiating a just and fair solution to the Palestinian question based fundamentally on establishing two states.
I affirm that my position on the linkage was not coordinated with Hezbollah because its ministers were surprised during the Cabinet session. This position aligns with the Arab stance, especially that of Saudi Arabia, which linked completing the normalization process with Israel to a ceasefire and the establishment of a Palestinian state.
*What will happen to Resolution 1701?*
I reiterate that we are ready to apply the resolution but it requires deploying about 10,000 additional Lebanese soldiers in the South Litani River area because the current number does not exceed 4,000. I informed the Western envoys that we are prepared to enhance the army's presence, but we need assistance since we are in need of fuel and equipment.
*But this situation has existed since 2006, and it is said that asking to strengthen the army is also just providing excuses!*
International communications in this regard are ongoing, and hopefully they will be fruitful.
*Is it true that there is a deadline for Lebanon, or else Israel will escalate?*
I have not heard any talk about a deadline or specific date. But I have heard that circumstances will tighten if a form of stability does not occur.
*Can Lebanon endure a new war?*
God willing, there will not be a war.
*Did the American envoy Amos Hochstein fail in his mission?*
Not to my knowledge. He did not mention to me the proposal for Hezbollah to withdraw 7 kilometers. He presented a specific program, and we are not far from it. All I can say is that he brought an acceptable offer after restoring stability to the south, meaning achieving relative stability, paving the way for establishing permanent stability.
*So is it a security-political proposal?*
Currently, it is security-related. It's certain that Hochstein has not failed in his mission, and we are in the process of follow-up. Things will become clearer in the coming weeks.
*Has Lebanon truly become caught between the limits of war or a ceasefire?*
Honestly, no one wants war. The Israeli threats are for Israeli purposes. Everyone is trying to avoid this bitter cup.
*Has a picture of the day after formed in relation to Palestine and Lebanon?*
For sure, in relation to establishing the land borders, points, and occupied territories, all these topics will be raised after restoring stability. There is Palestinian conviction to grant rights to Palestinians to live in an independent state; however, its shape and military capabilities are still under discussion. I sense that Saudi Arabia has a desire to bring perspectives together to find a solution to the Palestinian issue and consider the normalization with Israel. Serious ideas are circulating between Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia aiming to reach a solution.
Reason must prevail within Israeli society to pressure its government to adopt the political solution instead of the military machine, which has not and will not manage to eliminate the Palestinian issue after over 75 years of wars, killing, and displacement. Is it not time to put solutions on the table for the region to enjoy comprehensive stability and peace? A plan has been laid on the table and will soon come to the fore upon the ceasefire in Gaza.
*Will the Quintet ambassadors be starting a tour of the political forces?*
Indeed, I am supposed to meet the ambassadors tomorrow after their meeting with Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri, hoping that matters will start moving seriously. I hope a President will be elected as soon as possible, as it is necessary for the institutions to function properly and commence the required reforms that are ready to enable Lebanon to rise easily. It can be said that the collapse has stopped, things are beginning to stabilize, and we have entered a phase of recovery; the private sector is growing, and we are working on rebuilding the public sector. I am confident that the recovery will be swift, particularly if we monitor the revenue collection processes that can allow the state to stand on its feet.
*According to your follow-up with the ambassadors and Western officials, have you sensed serious indicators allowing for the election of a president soon? Or is the obligation postponed until after the war?*
Regardless of the wishes of external forces, there is a decision that ought to be made locally, meaning the stance of political forces that must sacrifice for achieving a gain of electing a president.
*Does this mean that the political forces refuse to concede?*
Indeed, all political forces, without exception, refuse to concede. The obligation cannot be approached on the basis of trading; what do you offer me, and what do I gain? Certainly, the Quintet countries will return with momentum to accomplish the elections, but Lebanese political forces also need to make an effort. Each faction still holds on to its stance.
*You previously stated that the presidency is no longer far.*
Based on information about the Quintet's movements, their ambassadors are supposed to hold several meetings in the coming two days, which will be followed by the return of the French envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian to convey the picture to the Quintet representatives before their meeting. I affirm that the Quintet's movement is necessary, but it is not enough.
*Is it true that Saudi interest in the presidential obligation has increased recently?*
Saudi Arabia has never abandoned Lebanon or distanced itself from it. Today, it is the engine of the Quintet. The Saudi embassy requested an appointment from me to meet with the Quintet ambassadors.
*What about the Qatari initiative?*
I recently met twice with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, and the presidential obligation was at the top of our discussions each time. But the Lebanese must reach a common denominator that leads to electing a president.
*If you were a deputy, whom would you vote for as president? Joseph Aoun or Sleiman Frangieh?*
After all the electoral rounds and the voting results achieved, I believe that a president cannot be elected without consensus. Let us wait for the representatives of the Quintet countries, should they bring a new name.
*What about the proposal to separate the presidency from Gaza?*
I have not heard in any of the meetings about linking the presidency with Gaza or any proposed quid pro quo. Neither from Amos nor anyone else.
*What about the rejection of Christian forces to this matter?*
It is likely that they are taking a preemptive step to avoid this matter. However, I have not heard from any foreign official about a proposal that calls for a trade between the presidency and stability in the south.
*Have the military appointments been settled?*
We are working calmly. I do not want to challenge anyone; I want to respect everyone, but there is a national interest that must be secured which necessitates completing the military appointments. Until now, no proposal has come from the Minister of Defense. It is my responsibility to present the matter to the Cabinet at the appropriate time to decide.
*When will it be presented? In the next session?*
After the budget is approved, specifically at the beginning of next week, we will hold a session to publish the budget law, and appointments can be raised then.
*Is there political agreement to make the appointments?*
Absolutely not. But there is a necessity to make the appointment in essential positions. The General Staff is necessary.
*Does this mean that the rest of the appointments may be delayed?*
True.
*Why all this chaos in the Sunni arena?*
The disagreement between Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi and the Director-General of Internal Security Forces, and the disagreement between the latter and the head of the Information Branch, Brigadier General Khaled Hamoud, due to appointments... this chaos exists in all arenas, for example, the disagreement between the Minister of Defense and the Army Commander. This is knowing that the relationship has improved between Mawlawi and General Othman. I think these are secondary issues that can be addressed. As for the separation actions taken by Othman, I inquired about them and was told they occurred within the law and procedures. I do not know the officers involved in the separation to judge the assessment.
*Are you a candidate to be the Prime Minister of the next term?*
I will announce my position at the appropriate time.
*The Finance and Budget Committee brags that it has dismantled the budget proposal and removed fees and that it ensured additional revenues that surpassed the deficit.*
The budget we sent did not include any new fees. The committee unified the criteria for raising fees (46 times), which means it affects both the poor and the rich at a uniform rate. As for achieving savings, it has appeared in the last three months, and this is what the Minister of Finance informed the Committee. Therefore, revenue estimates have increased, going beyond the deficit in the budget. Thus, I was surprised by the noise and populism that accompanied its approval in the committee, and I support all the amendments it made. However, presenting a law proposal for the budget from the Strong Lebanon bloc is an unacceptable step. The project sent by the government should be approved. What is this new anomaly? It cannot be applied. These are all tricks. I do not think that the Parliament will accept this anomaly. This is a precedent that cannot be normalized.
