Opposition MPs Georges Okais, Marc Daou, Ashraf Rifi and Salim al-Sayegh submitted a petition on Monday to Speaker Nabih Berri, calling for a debate on the ongoing war and its repercussions on Lebanon.
In a press conference held at Parliament, MP Salim al-Sayegh highlighted that since October 8, escalating threats have caused hundreds of Lebanese casualties and the destruction of thousands of homes, with daily Israeli attacks inflicting severe economic and environmental damage.
The MPs highlighted Lebanon’s compounded crises, including political paralysis, economic downturn and financial instability, worsened by the delay in electing a new president.
They criticized the caretaker government’s inaction and abandonment of its responsibilities in managing the war, emphasizing the need for national responsibility.
The petition endorsed the need to follow these urgent measures to prevent an escalation in the south:
- End all military actions outside the framework of the Lebanese State and its agencies.
- Declare a state of emergency in southern Lebanon and transfer control to the Lebanese Army.
- Assign the Lebanese Army to confront any aggression on Lebanese territory.
- Renew diplomatic efforts to return to the 1949 Armistice Agreement and fully implement Resolution 1701.
The opposition MPs had emphasized on July 1 the necessity of protecting Lebanon from being dragged into a broader conflict, which they argue serves to elevate Iran’s regional influence rather than benefit the Palestinian cause.
“We refuse to be dragged into a war that doesn’t help the Palestinian cause and destroys Lebanon,” they stated.
