Caretaker Culture Minister Mohamad Mortada. (Credit: NNA)
BEIRUT — Caretaker Minister Mohamad Mortada told Al Mayadeen TV on Sunday that the Amal Movement and Hezbollah believe that the Lebanese Army is the "preserver of national unity and the protector of civil peace."
Mortada's comment comes after pro-Hezbollah figures and al-Akhbar newspaper, criticized the Lebanese Army after a person was kidnapped in Batroun by the Israeli navy. They mainly asked the Lebanese Army to clarify how it couldn't prevent the operation from happening after the army launched an investigation while providing some explanations.
Mortada clarified that Hezbollah and the Amal Movement's "view of the Lebanese army is the view of every honorable Lebanese who believes that the army is the keeper of national unity and the protector of civil peace. This is a firm fact and conviction of the National Duo and not a slogan that we sing only during seasons.”
“The military institution is worthy of a sincere rally around it by all Lebanese, leaders and citizens, to emphasize its inclusive national role, especially in these difficult circumstances of the nation's life.”
However, Mortada asked two questions: "Does the excess of love that many people at home and abroad are showing towards the Lebanese Army these days really fall within the framework of a sincere rally around the Lebanese military institution and belief in its role on the levels we mentioned? Do these people, especially the external powers, really believe, and most importantly, allow the army to be provided with all the capabilities that enable it to deter the Zionist enemy and thwart its expansionist plans and ambitions in Lebanon?”
"May God protect our military institution and provide it with the ability and wisdom to prevent the internal strife that is being prepared for the Lebanese," he concluded.
Hezbollah and Israel have been engaged in an attrition war since Oct. 2023, in parallel with the war in Gaza. The reinforcement of the Lebanese Army and its deployment in southern Lebanon would likely be one of the most important terms of any potential cease-fire agreement.https://manageolj.lorientlejour.com/admin/articles.php?action=edit&id=1434978#