The Cabinet collectively condemned “the heinous Israeli aggression,” perpetrated via exploding pagers, describing it as a “serious violation of Lebanese sovereignty and a blatant crime by all standards.” During the session it held on Tuesday at the Grand Serail, the Cabinet emphasized that the government had immediately initiated all necessary communications with relevant countries and the United Nations to hold them accountable for this ongoing crime. It also decided to keep its meetings open to monitor the developments.
Regarding the budget draft, caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati affirmed that the conditions of all workers and retirees, both military and civilian, would be considered within the state’s revenues and financial capabilities. “We are committed to restoring balance to the standard of living and ensuring the dignity of citizens,” he said.
On September 12, the Retired Military Personnel Collective issued a warning against any “slander or infringement” on their rights, vowing to respond to attempts to sideline their demands. Mikati pointed out that they are listening to “all voices of justice” and will work with relevant parties to find solutions to every issue raised, “away from any populism.”
However, he stated that “the primary national concern remains the election of a president as soon as possible, as well as the Israeli attacks that target Lebanese lives and livelihoods. These genocidal crimes are a matter for the international community, and we reaffirm the need to fully implement UN Resolution 1701.”
In addition, the Cabinet reversed its decision on the education of illegal Syrian migrant children in Lebanese schools. Caretaker Information Minister Ziad Makary announced that “this decision has been amended and now only applies to students with legal residency and documents from the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). This decision extends to both vocational institutes and general education.”