Patriarch Beshara Rai (second from the right) receiving visitors in Annaya, on July 19, 2026. (Credit: NNA)
BEIRUT — Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rai on Sunday called for "active neutrality" to help Lebanon confront mounting challenges, while stressing the need to fully implement the Lebanon-Israel framework agreement signed in Washington, saying it is key to strengthening state sovereignty.
"Active neutrality remains an indispensable national option, in line with Lebanon's identity and mission," Rai said during his Sunday homily in Annaya, on the occasion of the feast of Saint Charbel, considering that such an approach "protects from regional axis conflicts."
"Lebanon's presence is only complete with its state ... and its future is only assured through an active neutrality that protects it, reassures its environment and makes of it a witness to peace in the East and an active force for it," the prelate added.
The mass was attended, among others, by Minister of Public Works and Transport Fayez Rasamni, representing the head of state on his visit to Washington, National Defense Minister Michel Menassa, and Army Commander General Rodolph Haykal.
The head of the Maronite Church also reiterated "the importance of comprehensive and precise implementation of the framework agreement, as it constitutes a pathway to consolidating the sovereignty of the state, extending its legitimate authority over all its territory, establishing security and stability, and protecting Lebanon's national rights."
"It is our national duty to support all measures aimed at restoring the prestige of the state, the sovereignty of Lebanon, and the security and stability of its people," he said, emphasizing that "any agreement that preserves the sovereignty of Lebanon, protects its national rights, and strengthens the authority of the state over all its territory is worthy of support, provided that all parties fully and faithfully abide by its obligations."
A process of direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel began in April, leading to a framework agreement signed in June, while a sixth round of talks was held this week in Rome.
Under this framework agreement between the Lebanese and Israeli sides, the Israeli army is expected to soon withdraw from so-called pilot areas in south Lebanon, where the Lebanese Army is to be deployed. Israeli troops have occupied part of south Lebanon since the start of the latest armed conflict, which began March 2 between Hezbollah and Israel.
Mufti Qabalan rebukes President Aoun
For his part, Qabalan, known for his closeness to Hezbollah, openly criticized President Joseph Aoun, who is on an official visit to the United States. The head of state is scheduled to meet Sunday with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, before a meeting with President Donald Trump in Washington on Tuesday.
"There is no greater opportunity for the Lebanese than national unity and what is necessary for Lebanon's sovereignty. Unfortunately, President Joseph Aoun sacrifices this national truth and places Lebanon in the American bazaar, thereby redefining the Lebanese state according to security imperatives and foreign interests flagrantly contradicting national sovereignty. There is no need for a new conflict to understand that America sees Lebanon only through the prism of Tel Aviv," he accused. "It is unacceptable for a single person to lead the country to its ruin," the religious dignitary added.
"The solution lies in national dialogue, not in breaking ties with the south, the Bekaa, and the southern suburbs of Beirut, nor in isolating an entire community ... The solution lies in internal convergence around Lebanon's interests, not those of Tel Aviv and Washington. The government's strategic error is setting Lebanon on fire. Therefore, President Aoun should be the president of all of Lebanon, not just of the Baabda Palace," Qabalan emphasized.
The Jaafari mufti also considered that Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, head of the Amal movement allied with Hezbollah, "is leading the greatest historical battle to affirm Lebanon's unity."
"Under this banner, he insists on indirect negotiations under Lebanese conditions, not Zionist ones. Ignoring Nabih Berri is to ignore Lebanon, its foundations, and its national charters. Without Ain al-Tineh, there will be no solution," he warned.
Israel continues detonations, drone attacks, military operations in several districts of south Lebanon