Druze Sheikh Akl Sami Abi al-Mona calls for a unified national stance against Israeli aggression

BEIRUT — On the eve of an Islamic-Christian spiritual summit scheduled for Tuesday in Beirut, Druze Sheikh Akl Sami Abi al-Mona called for "a unified national stance in the face of the security and political challenges Lebanon is facing," amid escalating Israeli attacks on Lebanon and threats of strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs.

"The current challenges require the summit to take a clear position and deliver a strong message, while offering words of comfort in the face of the suffering we are experiencing — suffering that must not lead us to regrettable consequences. We must stand united against aggression, with one voice and a shared national position that brings people together rather than divides them. We will also address the international community and urge it to exert pressure to end the war against Lebanon," Abi al-Mona said in an interview with Al-Jadeed.

The Druze leader, who initiated the summit, stressed the importance of strengthening internal solidarity, preserving stability and civil peace, and avoiding divisions amid the ongoing war. He also voiced support for the state, its leadership and its institutions.

"Everyone wants to build the state and uphold constitutional institutions. We support the country's leaders and officials, and we unite around common ground. We must remain neutral toward anything that divides us and embrace everything that brings us together. This is the message we must convey at this summit, and we will all pray with one heart and one voice for Lebanon," he added.

Abi al-Mona is considered close to the Joumblatt family. Druze leader Walid Joumblatt has repeatedly opposed Hezbollah's decision to open a front against Israel from Lebanon, first on Oct. 8, 2023 — the day after Hamas's attack on Israel from Gaza — and again on March 2, 2026, following the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in Tehran in U.S.-Israeli strikes.

As part of the preparations for the summit, Abi al-Mona also held a phone call with Lebanese Army Commander Gen. Rodolf Haykal.