The caretaker Prime Minister Najib Miqati continues his intensive diplomatic contacts and meetings at the Grand Serail as part of the efforts to confront Israeli attacks on Lebanon and new threats. During these contacts, the Prime Minister emphasized that "Lebanon condemns all forms of violence, especially against civilians, and demands an end to the Israeli aggression in southern Lebanon and the full implementation of UN Resolution 1701."
He stated, "It is surprising that the Israeli enemy, which is waging an unrelenting war against the Palestinians through killing, destruction, and displacement, claims to mourn Arab victims who fell in an Arab area occupied by Israel while threatening and intimidating, knowing that the full circumstances of what occurred are still unknown."
Miqati added that "the recent Israeli threats against Lebanon and the intimidation of a comprehensive war will not deter the Lebanese from upholding their rights to their land and defending it by all means permitted by international laws."
He confirmed that "this position has been communicated to all Lebanon’s friends worldwide and to the European Union, and a detailed response to the Israeli claims and accusations will be sent to the UN Security Council."
The Prime Minister thanked the Arab and foreign countries "for expressing their full solidarity with Lebanon concerning the Israeli threats," and appreciated their "tireless efforts to stop the Israeli aggression against our country."
Miqati called for "not to be swayed by rumors and false news that aim to instill panic in the hearts of all Lebanese," asserting that "the psychological warfare waged by the Israeli enemy primarily aims to undermine the morale of the Lebanese, especially during a tourist season filled with hopes and positive indicators."
He stressed that "the government, through all its ministries and agencies, is prepared to face any emergency, but the required measures are being taken in a way that does not provoke panic among the Lebanese."
Miqati explained that "the National Emergency Committee formed by the Cabinet on the first days of the Israeli aggression continues its work and coordination meetings, updating the necessary procedures and data. Additionally, ministerial meetings concerning this matter will intensify at the Grand Serail this week."
Earlier today, the Prime Minister received the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, at the Grand Serail, and discussed the current situations and ongoing communications for extending UNIFIL's mandate. During the meeting, the UN official called for de-escalation on all fronts and urged everyone to adhere to the implementation of Resolution 1701, which is the only solution to the ongoing conflict.
The Prime Minister also received the Minister of Environment and Coordinator of the National Emergency Committee, Naser Yassine, and the Secretary-General of the Supreme Defense Council, General Mohamed Mustafa, where they reviewed the procedures being taken by the relevant ministries and departments, with an expanded committee meeting scheduled for tomorrow involving the concerned ministers.
Miqati also met with Minister of Health Firas Al-Abyad, who stated, "I briefed the Prime Minister on the health situation and what the Ministry of Health is doing at all levels, the measures being taken, and the preparations of the health system in light of the Israeli attacks in case of any aggression, God forbid, as consecutive meetings will be held by the National Emergency Committee regarding this matter."
