The British Ministers of Defense and Foreign Affairs, John Healey and David Lammy, arrived in Beirut on Thursday for discussions with Lebanese officials, following a recent escalation in the region.
In the past 48 hours, Israel conducted two significant strikes: one in the southern suburbs of Beirut, killing Fouad Chokr, a senior Hezbollah military official, and another in Tehran, resulting in the death of Ismail Haniyeh, the head of Hamas’s politburo.
At the Government Palace, Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati told Healey and Lammy that Israel had violated Lebanon’s sovereignty and attacked its territory, targeting civilians and breaching international law. He emphasized that the solution must be political and aligned with international resolutions, including UN Resolution 1701. Mikati urged Britain and the international community to pressure Israel to halt its aggressions.
In response, Lammy called for all parties to adhere to and implement the provisions of UN Resolution 1701. Healey commended the cooperation between the Lebanese and British armed forces and advocated for resolving conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy, warning of the disastrous consequences of continued violence.
The ministers also met with Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri in Ain el-Tineh. Berri stated that while Lebanon does not seek war, it is prepared to defend itself. He criticized recent Israeli actions as “arrogant” and dangerous, potentially leading to severe regional consequences.
The British officials were also received at Bustros Palace by Caretaker Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib. The British Ambassador to Beirut, Hamish Cowell, participated in the meetings, alongside Lebanese Ambassador to London Rami Mortada, former Minister Nicolas Nahhas, Ambassador Boutros Assaker, and Ziad Mikati.
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