Caretaker Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati at the cabinet meeting on March 19, 2024. (Photo Prime Minister's Press Office)
BEIRUT — Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati held a series of meetings at the Grand Serail on Thursday, emphasizing that “all current diplomatic efforts and meetings are focused on securing the automatic extension of the international forces operating in southern Lebanon (UNIFIL) at the United Nations Security Council,” according to his press office.
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL)’s mandate is set to expire on Aug. 31. Key stakeholders are preparing for the renewal of the peacekeeping mission.
Mikati highlighted that this effort is being pursued alongside actions to stop the ongoing Israeli aggression against Lebanon and to fully implement Security Council Resolution 1701, which is vital for addressing the situation in southern Lebanon.
UNSC 1701, which ended the July 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah, mandates Hezbollah's withdrawal north of the Litani River and the deployment of the Lebanese Army and a multinational force in the border region.
Earlier in August, the caretaker government had issued a circular through the Foreign Affairs Ministry to all Lebanese diplomatic missions abroad, outlining its vision for stability in southern Lebanon, 10 months after clashes between Israel and Hezbollah began.
Hezbollah entered the conflict on Oct. 8 in support of Hamas in Gaza. The circular called for “strengthening the capacity of the Lebanese Armed Forces to maintain security and stability in the region.”
Mikati noted Thursday that “communications regarding UNIFIL’s extension have shown an understanding of Lebanon's demand to maintain the mission’s current mandate and avoid amendments that could further complicate the tense situation.” He expressed hope that this approach “will be realized before the end of the month to preserve UNIFIL’s role and mission in southern Lebanon.”
Mikati also emphasized the need for “internal national solidarity during this challenging period” and urged politicians and the media to avoid spreading news and analyses that could increase fear among the Lebanese and exacerbate the situation.
On Wednesday, former minister Marwan Hamadeh commented on MTV channel, suggesting that a general war could break out “in the coming days, or even hours,” citing “sources close to the ongoing negotiations.”
His comments caused widespread panic in Lebanon. Hamadeh later reassured the public in an interview with L’Orient Today, clarifying that his statements were based on a reading of current developments and the unsatisfactory progress of negotiations between Hamas and Israel.
