Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati during a Cabinet meeting in Beirut, Nov. 27, 2024. (Credit: Dalati & Nohra)
Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati announced Wednesday that his government is committed to implementing all provisions of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701, following the declaration of the overnight cease-fire agreement between Hezbollah and Israel, which brought nearly 14 months of war to a halt.
"Today, we begin the process of rebuilding what has been destroyed, and we place our hope in the army to restore security in the South," Mikati said, stressing the government's dedication to ensuring the resolution's full implementation. The cease-fire came into effect at 4 a.m. Wednesday.
Mikati also reaffirmed that the Lebanese Army would reinforce its presence in southern Lebanon, along the border with Israel, in line with the cease-fire terms. This follows a meeting with Army Commander-in-Chief Joseph Aoun, who briefed the prime minister on the military’s deployment plan. Under Resolution 1701, only the Lebanese Army and the U.N. Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) are permitted to operate militarily south of the Litani River.
Setting differences aside
"We are living through exceptional times," Mikati said, emphasizing that Lebanon is committed to regaining the trust of the international community and its citizens.
He also called on Israel to "respect the cease-fire decision and withdraw from occupied territories," adding that Lebanon’s future depends on its ability to "set aside our differences."
Mikati reaffirmed Lebanon’s commitment to its sovereignty, including control over its land, sea, and air. He expressed hope that the coming days would lead to the election of a new president and enable state institutions to resume their functions.
The meeting, held in the presence of Army Commander-in-Chief Aoun, also saw the participation of several ministers from the Free Patriotic Movement (FPM), who had previously boycotted Cabinet meetings during the presidential vacancy over the past two years. These included caretaker Defense Minister Maurice Slim and caretaker Social Affairs Minister Hector Hajjar.
Lebanese Army's central role
Before the Cabinet session, the defense minister clarified that statements suggesting Israeli forces could move freely within Lebanon contradict the terms of the 13-point cease-fire agreement, which does not address such issues. "We will not accept it. The agreement only stipulates the right of both parties to self-defense," he said.
Slim also emphasized the "central role" the Lebanese Army will play in enforcing the cease-fire agreement and reiterated that it is "time for the war to end." He declined to comment on potential confrontations between the army and Hezbollah, adding that efforts are ongoing to strengthen the army to ensure the security and peace of Lebanon and its people.
Shortly before the meeting, Mikati held talks with the Lebanese Army Commander-in-Chief, according to the National News Agency (NNA).