Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati emphasized, during Thursday’s Council of Ministers meeting, that “there is a race between achieving a ceasefire (in Gaza) and the situation further deteriorating” in Lebanon.
He stated that Lebanon is in support of the peace option, highlighting that “the decision to go to war now lies in Israel’s hands.”
Mikati mainly stressed the need for a five-day ceasefire in Gaza, during which international diplomatic efforts can be undertaken to facilitate a prisoner exchange between Hamas and Israel. In his opinion, these diplomatic contacts are seen as a crucial step towards establishing a permanent ceasefire and outlining the broader path to peace in the region. These stances outline a “peace plan” for Gaza, which Mikati discussed in an interview with the British magazine, The Economist.
Mikati also announced his intention to continue his Arab diplomatic tour “in the near future.” He highlighted the significant impact of the presidential vacancy on the country, given the crucial role the President is expected to fulfill, and he called for the election of a Head of State.
Regarding the caretaker government’s responsibilities, Mikati emphasized the level of commitment demonstrated by the ministers. He noted, “The situation today is better than it was a year ago. Even at the economic level, the efforts made are evident,” before underscoring that his government is fulfilling its duty and ensuring Lebanon’s presence on the international stage.
Mikati also commended the work of the Crisis Management Commission, particularly acknowledging the efforts of caretaker Minister of Environment Nasser Yassin.
“Solidarity is necessary. It is our duty to dialogue to reach a comprehensive national solution,” he concluded.
At the end of the meeting, caretaker Minister of Information Ziad Makari called on all ministers “to assume their responsibilities and work together in these delicate circumstances.”
Caretaker Minister of Agriculture Abbas Hajj Hassan stated, “We have mapped all the agricultural land that was attacked and continues to be ravaged by fire,” resulting from the Israeli army’s phosphorus attacks on Lebanese territory.
Caretaker Minister of Economy Amine Salam added, “This land is our own, and our forests and mountains are being destroyed by the phosphorus attacks of the Israeli enemy. We are on the right track concerning the wheat import issue, and we have no financing problems.”
