Rahi Doubts Loyalty of Lebanese Politicians towards their Country

Maronite Patriarch Bechara Rahi met Wednesday with Caretaker Minister of Justice, Henry Khoury (NNA)
Maronite Patriarch Bechara Rahi met Wednesday with Caretaker Minister of Justice, Henry Khoury (NNA)
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Rahi Doubts Loyalty of Lebanese Politicians towards their Country

Maronite Patriarch Bechara Rahi met Wednesday with Caretaker Minister of Justice, Henry Khoury (NNA)
Maronite Patriarch Bechara Rahi met Wednesday with Caretaker Minister of Justice, Henry Khoury (NNA)

Lebanese Maronite Patriarch Bechara Rahi expressed on Wednesday his doubts about the sincerity of Lebanon’s politicians toward their country, also accusing the ruling class of being “beholden to their own interests.”

The Patriarch was speaking on Wednesday at the launching ceremony of the document titled “A New Vision for Lebanon Tomorrow: A Secular, Decentralized, and Neutral State.”

Rahi reiterated his call for an international conference on Lebanon because “the Lebanese politicians escaped dialogue because they are beholden to their personal interests.”

He then expressed his doubts about the sincerity of politicians toward the country, saying “there is no salvation for Lebanon if we remain as we are. Lebanon is ill, and officials do not want to treat its illness or know its cause.”

Rahi added: “It is not the right of officials to devastate a country and its people by destroying the system and the constitution.”

For his part, Sheikh Sami Abdel Khalek representing Sheikh Akl of the Druze Community Sheikh Naim Hassan, said during the ceremony that the Lebanese must work for the interest of the country and not for the interest of the sect and the party.”

Meanwhile, Bishop Samir Mazloum expressed his regret that there are Lebanese politicians who assassinated the State in order to make profit.

Last November, Rahi urged to the United Nations to save Lebanon by holding an international conference – a call that was supported by the country’s opposition parties and rejected by Shiites.



Lebanon, Gaza Ceasefire Hopes Dim as Netanyahu Puts More Conditions

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks as he attends a ceremony for the 70th cohort of military combat officers, at an army base near Mitzpe Ramon, Israel, October 31, 2024. REUTERS/Amir Cohen
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks as he attends a ceremony for the 70th cohort of military combat officers, at an army base near Mitzpe Ramon, Israel, October 31, 2024. REUTERS/Amir Cohen
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Lebanon, Gaza Ceasefire Hopes Dim as Netanyahu Puts More Conditions

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks as he attends a ceremony for the 70th cohort of military combat officers, at an army base near Mitzpe Ramon, Israel, October 31, 2024. REUTERS/Amir Cohen
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks as he attends a ceremony for the 70th cohort of military combat officers, at an army base near Mitzpe Ramon, Israel, October 31, 2024. REUTERS/Amir Cohen

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told visiting US envoy Amos Hochstein and Middle East adviser Brett McGurk Thursday that any ceasefire deal with Hezbollah would have to guarantee Israeli security.

"The prime minister specified that the main issue is not paperwork for this or that deal, but Israel's determination and capacity to ensure the deal's application and to prevent any threat to its security from Lebanon," Netanyahu's office said after the meeting in Jerusalem.

Speaking at a military academy in Israel's Negev desert later Thursday, Netanyahu told reservists he appreciated American support in the ongoing wars against Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, but would not accede to any and all US demands.

"My policy is simple. I say yes when it's possible, but I say no when it's needed," he told trainee officers.

"Hamas will no longer control Gaza and Hezbollah will not settle on our northern border," he added.

"We are also blocking weapons supply chains from Iran to Hezbollah via Syria and from there to Lebanon."