Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati responded on Thursday to the opposition’s strong criticism of his tribute to “Hezbollah’s patriotism and restraint.” The opposition blamed him for praising Hezbollah, who led Lebanon into a war that is not its own. Mikati also called for Israel to stop its provocations in the South, without acknowledging Hezbollah’s responsibility for reopening the front on October 8, 2023, following Hamas’s attack on Israel.
In a lengthy statement, Mikati’s press office rejected accusations from the sovereignist camp which is primarily accusing Mikati of endorsing Hezbollah’s actions at the southern border. They argue that decisions on war and peace should exclusively be the responsibility of the Lebanese state, not a militia following the agenda of a foreign country, in this case, Iran.
Mikati’s press office denounced “a personal campaign” against the caretaker Prime Minister and criticized his detractors for accusing him of delegating strategic decisions to internal or external parties, violating the Taif Agreement or submitting to foreign axes.
Mikati defended himself through his press office, stating that his remarks on the Gaza war and the tensions at the southern borders are part of the “clear and comprehensive position” he has taken since October 7. He accused those who criticized him of “distorting and truncating his statement” made during the last Cabinet meeting.
Mikati detailed all his observations since the beginning of the Gaza war. He emphasized that he communicated these observations to all parties involved in the explosive situation in Gaza and southern Lebanon. The press release highlighted Mikati’s call for an urgent ceasefire during the last Cabinet meeting to pave the way for a permanent and fair resolution through diplomatic means. It also called for the protection of Lebanon and support for diplomatic initiatives, noting Lebanon’s compliance with international resolutions from the 1949 Armistice Agreement to Resolution 1701.
The press office invited Mikati’s critics to “propose practical solutions instead of voicing criticism or relying on some future changes.” It also urged them to elect a president and concluded that Najib Mikati “does not need a certificate of good conduct from anyone.”
